CommunitySafe.gov.uk

 

 

 

Employer Supported Policing Programme

The Metropolitan Police are offering a powerful opportunity to businesses across the capital. It delivers business security, staff development, additional policing around premises, corporate social responsibility and, especially important in 2012, business continuity and resilience. Best of all, the Metropolitan Police  fund the scheme, in return for you donating some of your staff's time through a small amount of paid leave each month.

Virtually any reputable business of almost any size can take part, but in order to get the maximum benefit across the period from the Queen's Diamond Jubilee to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, your business must get involved by the end of November 2011.

Take a look at

 

www.met.police.uk/esp/learn_more

now and don't miss this opportunity for a huge boost to your business in 2012 and well beyond.

Message sent by;

PS Baxter

Westminster CT Desk

 

 

On the 15th November 2011 there is a CT presentation for businesses which will be held at;

The Empire, Leicester Square at 0830 for a 0900 start and the event will conclude at 11.00.

The topics covered will include;

 

Intelligence Update from SO15

Operation Fairway - Hostile Reconnaissance update from SO15

Explosives Dog Section

Olympic Update from London 2012.

 

If you wish to attend please e mail

projectgriffin@met.police.uk

Message sent by;

Simon Baxter Westminster Police CT Focus Desk

 

Due to technical difficulties I have not been able to publish updates until now.

Those looking to leave the student march are encouraged to head north of London Wall towards Aldgate.

 

Meassage sent by;

PS Baxter

Westminster CT Focus Desk

 

On the 15th November 2011 there is a CT presentation for businesses which will be held at;

The Empire, Leicester Square at 0830 for a 0900 start and the event will conclude at 11.00.

The topics covered will include;

 

Intelligence Update from SO15

Operation Fairway - Hostile Reconnaissance update from SO15

Explosives Dog Section

Olympic Update from London 2012.

 

If you wish to attend please e mail

projectgriffin@met.police.uk

Message sent by;

Simon Baxter Westminster Police CT Focus Desk

 

 

Demonstration in Central London

Wednesday 9 November 2011

Information for Businesses

A number of groups have announced that they are holding a National Student Demonstration on

Wednesday 9 November 2011. Participants are expected to assemble from 12 noon on Malet Street to

march to London Wall along the following route: Malet Street, Gower Street, Bloomsbury Street, Shaftesbury

Avenue, Charing Cross Road Dungannon Street, The Strand, Fetter Lane, New Fetter Lane, Holborn

Viaduct, Newgate Street, King Edward Street and London Wall. The march is scheduled to end at 6 pm.

The Metropolitan Police Service and City of London Police are fully aware of the potential impact of any

demonstrations on the local business community and are well equipped to deal with events like this. We

have an appropriate and proportionate policing plan in place and are working closely with the organisers to

ensure that the protest moves through London peacefully and that any disruption is kept to a minimum.

You may notice an increase in the number of police officers in your area. This is part of the preparation for

this event and should not be cause for alarm. Please contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team if you

have any concerns.

Whilst a robust policing plan is in place you can help to protect your business by taking a few sensible

precautions. The following points are a list of considerations but are by no means exhaustive.

1. Retail premises should be suitably staffed with a prominent management presence.

2. Security officers, where possible, should have a visible presence at premises.

3. It would be advisable that a senior manager make himself/herself identifiable to police in the event

of an incursion into your premises.

4. Ensure that your exit doors are properly secured and that you are able to lock and secure your front

door if required to do so.

5. Consider minimising the number of entry points to your building as there is potential for your

business premises to be used as access routes in the event of road closures.

6. If crime is committed in your premises consider the preservation of evidence where possible, for

example CCTV.

7. Ensure that building perimeters are clear of dustbins, ladders or loose tools and equipment, which

could be used to gain access or be used as weapons or to cause damage. Where possible,

consider removing scaffolding from building premises and/ or ensure that security staff be made

aware of the potential for unauthorised access. Where possible, remove completely or secure

equipment such as ladders and ropes.

8. Check that your emergency equipment / grab bags / first aid supplies and radio communication

systems are stocked and fully operational.

9. Ensure that all members of staff are fully aware of any emergency/evacuation procedures.

10. Ensure CCTV coverage is fully operational and can provide the highest recording resolution as

possible.

11. During the day leading up to 9th of November, make sure that your staff are fully briefed, remain

vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security and/or police.

12. In the event of a situation that does not require an emergency police response, please call 101

(calls to 101 landlines and mobiles cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day you call or

how long your call lasts).

13. In the event of an emergency, call the emergency number 999.

For live updates on the progress of the demonstration you can also subscribe to the official free police

community messaging system ‘Neighbourhood Link’. This service provides instant information on travel

restrictions and security issues. To subscribe to this free service please visit:

www.neighbourhoodlink.met.police.uk

Alternatively you can text “police” to 83123 to receive all of the latest MPS updates straight to your phone

The Metropolitan Police Service is committed to ensuring that this is a peaceful demonstration for all who

are living in, working in, or visiting London and that it causes the minimum amount of disruption to residents,

businesses and the wider public.

On SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2011 at approximately 2130 hours an assault took place in OXFORD STREET opposite BOND STREET Underground Station.

Numerous arrests have been made and the injuries sustained are not life threatening or changing.

Regular police patrols will continue in the ORB area.

Student protests expected in London on Wednesday 9 November 2011

 

The MPS has a responsibility to facilitate peaceful protest. However young people at school should continue their education on the day of the protest and go to school as usual. They should not try to travel in to central London or become involved in any protest during school hours.

 

Their unauthorised absence from school will make them subject to truancy laws and the police and education authorities may take appropriate action.

 

There will be a proportionate and strong presence of Police and Community Support Officers across London on the day of the protest, including at transport hubs and the areas surrounding schools. Officers will continue to provide the people of London a visible, accessible and familiar presence in their local communities in order to cut crime.

 

Following overnight demonstrations by Squatters Action, there are further demonstrations expected today. They intend to demonstrate o/s Westminster housing Office, Orchardson St,NW8 @9am, followed by a later demonstration outside Parliament. Please be aware these plans may change and please report any groups setting up tents on available spaces, Updates to follow.

Representatives from student organisations have contacted police to notify their wishes to demonstrate within Central London on Wednesday 9th November 2011. This includes a march from Malet Street and a rally at a location yet to be agreed.

Police are currently working with event organisers and further updates will be provided as planning progresses.

Further updates will be sent out as and when appropriate.

Paternoster Sq, EC4: O/S Stock Exchange. Large group of protestors forming. Please remain vigilant.

PROTEST ON WESTMINSTER BRIDGE - SUNDAY 09/10/2011 13:00 HOURS TO 18:00 HOURS

A protest is being held on WESTMINSTER BRIDGE this afternoon from 1300 hours to approximately 1800 hours. The event is being policed. Delays in that area are to be anticipated.

Further updates will follow during the protest.

300+ demonstrators are currently in Oxford Street,W1 moving between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch

Disruption and congestion in the area likely, All Peaceful at present.

Please avoid area  

Central London Demonstrations                    Saturday 8 October 2011                           Information for Businesses

A number of organisations have announced that they are holding a march and a rally within the Whitehall area on Saturday 8 October 2011. These events will take place between 11.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m.

These events are likely to attract significant numbers and lead to some traffic andtravel disruption, which could impact on business interests including your own organisation. There are no planned road closures although businesses are advised that short term temporary road closures will take effect.

The Metropolitan Police Service is fully aware of the potential impact of any marches on the local business community. We have an appropriate and proportionate policing plan in place and are working closely with the organiser’s to ensure that these demonstrations take place peacefully and that any disruption is kept to a minimum.

Whilst a policing plan is in place you can help your business by taking a few sensible precautions. The following points are a list of considerations and are by no means exhaustive.

1. Where possible retail premises should be suitably staffed with security guards

2. Ensure staff report any suspicious activity to security and / or police

3. Consider regular checks of the building and surrounding area

4. Ensure that all members of staff are fully aware of any emergency/evacuation procedures

5. Ensure CCTV coverage is fully operational

6. Ensure that your exit doors are properly secured and that you are able to lock and secure your front door if required to do so

7. During the days leading up to the 8 October, make sure that your staff are fully briefed, remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security and/or police

8. If you wish to contact your local police dial 101

9. In the event of an emergency, call the emergency number 999

10. If you have any information you wish to provide to police anonymously you can contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111

The Metropolitan Police Service is committed to ensuring that these demonstrations proceed lawfully and peacefully for all who are living in, working in, or visiting London and that disruption to residents, businesses and the wider public is kept to a minimum.

You may also wish to consider subscribing to the official police messaging system‘Neighbourhood Link’. To subscribe to this service please visit:

 

www.neighbourhoodlink.met.police.uk

GSZ Test Message Please Do Not Reply

GSZ Test Message
Please do not reply

News MPS Disorder Update for Businesses Friday 19th August 2011

 

Latest Information - Update

 

Policing in the London has been very much business as usual throughout the week aside from the continued engagement and reassurance activity being carried out by police and partners.

There will continue to be a substantial number of pubic order units on duty in London. These dedicated public order units will be supported by an enhanced response across all London Boroughs from officers and staff, Metropolitan Special Constabulary, Police Community Support Officers, and specialist investigative units.

The MPS response to the incidents of disorder continue to centre around:

 

Reassuring the local communities across London;

Sensitively securing the affected areas;

Pursuing those responsible for the disorder through our criminal investigations; and

Co-ordinating sufficient resources to ensure we are able to deal with any situations as they arise.

 

Arrests - Update

 

The Metropolitan Police Service has now arrested a total of 1802 people in connection with violence, disorder and looting. Of those arrested, a total of 1032 have been charged to date.

We continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that cases are processed as quickly as possible. A large number of people have appeared in court and while some have already been convicted and received prison sentences, many cases have been remanded to Crown Court.

 

Investigation - Update

 

Detectives from Operation Withern are today releasing a further 39 images of people we would like to speak with in relation to the recent disorder in London.

Operation Withern's priority is to bring to justice those who have committed violent and criminal acts. As the detailed and thorough investigation progresses we will be issuing photographs of people who were in the vicinity of the disorder and who may be able to help officers with their enquiries. The images released today relate to the looting and violent disorder in Lewisham, Wandsworth, Croydon, Haringey, Lambeth, Waltham Forest, Greenwich and Tower Hamlets on Saturday 6th and Monday 8th August.

Flickr is hosting the photos so that the public can help the Metropolitan Police Service identify those who committed violent and criminal acts on London's streets.

Please visit the website address below to see if you are able to help identify anyone:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/metropolitanpolice/

You can also view the images at: http://www.met.police.uk/disordersuspects/

  

We continue to appeal for witnesses and information in relation to the disorder across London. Anyone with information relating to any aspect of the incident is asked to contact the Operation Withern incident room on 020 8345 4142.

Alternatively, if you feel unable to speak to the police direct, you can report a crime and provide information anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

 

This newsletter is being produced for the benefit of the whole of the business community. If there are any areas of advice or subject matter that you would like to see included in future issues please contact us via:

CommunitiesTogether@met.police.uk

 

Supporting businesses and the community - Update

 

There have been some excellent examples of good partnership activity on boroughs to support businesses and the wider communities that have been affected by the recent disorder. One again, we would like to thank members of the business community for their continue support of the MPS.

 

An example of some of the partnership activity taking place across London includes:

 

Camden: Volunteer Police Cadets patrolling the Camden High Street / Chalk Farm Road area that was subject to incidents of disorder last week. They received funding from B&Q DIY stores and are looking to buy and plant flowers, plants etc, to make the area look nice again, whilst shops are still boarded up.

 

Southwark: There have been additional reassurance patrols by police for local shops to provide one-to-one support and advice on how concerns can be resolved. Some shop owners have expressed concerns about shoplifters following the disorder and officers have helped by making referrals to Southwark's anti social behaviour unit for added support.                                                                           

 

Newham: Many of the businesses, who donated food, drink and rest areas for officers during the disorder have received a personal visit from the Borough Commander Sean Vickers to convey his gratitude. Visits by local Safer Neighbourhoods teams and/or the investigating officer have also been taking place to provide additional support and reassurance. Special local ward panel meetings have also been arranged for local businesses and residents, with plans being made to host a youth group meeting.     

 

Lewisham: Acting borough commander Lisa Crook has thanked local businesses for their generosity during the disorder at Lewisham. During a week of unprecedented criminality many businesses including Sainsburys, Nandos, Halal butchers, the Turkish Food Centre and the XLP Centre - an urban youth charity - donated food, drink and places of rest for officers.                                                

 

Croydon: Project YOU, which brings together uniformed youth organisations in London, including the Met’s Volunteer Police cadets, met at the Croydon Voluntary Action HQ in London Road (scene of some of the greatest damage) to paint boarded premises with inspirational words and scenes, assist with sorting and delivering items donated by members of the community to displaced residents, hand out leaflets to advertise an open community meeting in the evening and generally offer their services to small businesses in London Road.

 

There have also been daily update briefings at 11:30am for Croydon businesses in the Town Centre. These have been hosted by one of the larger landowners and led by John Rouse, Chief Executive of Croydon Council. The meetings have enabled key messages to be delivered in person both from the police and the local authority.

The daily briefings, which were welcomed by the Community Watch for Businesses, also provided an opportunity for Croydon businesses to be updated on the latest developments in the police investigation, and to discuss any learning’s that can be taken forward.

 

Haringey: Volunteer Police Cadets helped paint and decorate boarded up shop fronts on Tottenham High Road, creating a ‘Peace Wall’ as has been done in Peckham and Manchester, to help unite the community, with the help of donations from B&Q and Waitrose.

 

Lambeth: In Lambeth members of the Met’s Volunteer Police cadets distributed plants and planters donated by the local B&Q, to the worst affected and most vulnerable residents and business owners.

An investigation is currently underway following a fire reported on Tuesday in the basement of the Footlocker store, Brixton Road/ Atlantic Road, Brixton. This same building was subject to a fire during last week’s disorder. Whist the cause has not yet been determined, it is believed to be a fire that has been smouldering since last week’s disorder incidents.

 

Government Support Scheme for small and medium sized businesses - Update

 

Small and medium sized businesses (SMEs

fire that has been smouldering since last week’s disorder incidents.

 

Government Support Scheme for small and medium sized businesses - Update

 

Small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) affected by the recent public disorders can now benefit from a new £20 million High Street Support Scheme.

The Government is making the funding available through local authorities to help SMEs and high streets get back on their feet following the disturbances.

The scheme will support businesses facing cash flow problems whilst they wait for insurance or other claims to be met. It will also help companies with non-refundable exceptional business expenses, and aims to help rebuild business confidence in affected areas.

 

To qualify for this support, businesses must:

 

·          be small or medium sized enterprises i.e. independents with less than 250   

      employees worldwide and an annual turnover of less than £11.2 million    

                    

·         have been based in an area affected by recent disorder between 6-11 August, and

 

·         have suffered losses as a direct result.

 

Businesses should contact their local authority to make a claim. More detailed information about the High Street Support Scheme and

other help for businesses is available at http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/

 

The Communities and Local Government website also has details of the support packages being made available for businesses:

 

http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/newsroom/1964311

British Patriot Society March and Rally

 

The March will form up at Old Palace Yard at 2pm. At 3pm the March will make its way via Parliament Square, Whitehall, Trafalgar Square and Pall Mall to its finish at Waterloo Place.  A short Rally will then take place in the vicinity of the Duke of York steps.

 

Planned Protest

 

There are likely to be 100- 200 protestors from the British Patriot Society who are holding the march and rally to call for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union and for the Government to stop Foreign Aid.