The Metropolitan Police Service has dealt with several incidents of 'copycat criminal activity' across London which has resulted in over 200 arrests for criminal offences. The MPS is aware of the impact this is having on the business community and is making every effort to combat further criminal activity by increasing the levels of high visibility patrols across London.
Criminal activity is taking place across a number of areas. There is no intelligence of specific targeting of identified business premises nor is there any intelligence to suggest that Victoria is a target. The Operation Withern team is continuing their investigation to identify those people responsible for the violence, disorder and crime we have seen to ensure that they are brought to justice.
You may notice an increase in the number of police officers in your area and this should not be cause for alarm.
You may wish to take the following precautionary measures.
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. Identify areas that are vulnerable to forced entry
5. Make sure all service doors are kept locked and secure when not in use
6. Ensure your CCTV system fully operational
7. In case of an emergency is there a record of the names of key holders who can be contacted
8. Consider removing high value goods from display windows overnight
9. Consider keeping as little cash as possible on the premises
10. Ensure that your premises are secure with shutters and if fitted your alarm systems are fully operational
11. In the event of a non emergency, call the police on non emergency number 101
12. In the event of an emergency, call the emergency number 999
13. if you have any information you wish to provide to police anonymously you can contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111