CommunitySafe.gov.uk

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:

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.