CommunitySafe.gov.uk

 

Lambeth Borough Met Police carried out early morning raids across the borough today (Friday, 28 October) targeting burglars and robbers in their ongoing effort to reduce these crimes and make Lambeth safer.

 

Officers executed warrants at addresses in Camberwell, South Lambeth and Streatham, arresting a total of five people.

 

In the fight against robbery and burglary Lambeth Borough Police use a variety of tactics and planning to apprehend such criminals however officers urge the public to assist them in doing what they can, to protect their homes and personal property when travelling around.

 

DI Dan Sillitoe from the robbery unit promotes the use of numerous tracking devices available to smartphones such as the ‘Find my I-phone’ App - that can be downloaded and now comes as standard with all the new I-phones. Similar App’s are available to Blackberry and android phones. He comments “These applications activates the GPS signal within the phone and can be tracked on a map. So if you were to fall victim to a robbery there is a possibility we could track your stolen phone and arrest the suspect responsible. However, you have to register your details for it to work, which some people don’t bother to do”.

 

Lambeth officers have had recent successes in using this technique to conduct area searches for suspects in having arrested four men, in individual cases where the suspects robbed members of the public for their smartphones and an Ipad and thought they had made an escape. These tracking devices were all activated and officers were able to follow them even while the suspects were travelling onboard buses.  Suspects were apprehended and arrested while police could eventually re-unite the owner with their property.

 

Simple techniques such as registering your phone’s IMEI number on property databases such as www.Immobolise.com can assist police in recovering stolen property, returning it to the owner while securing convictions for criminals. The IMEI number is a unique number to the phone’s handset. Lambeth officers in recent months have made three arrests after conducting a check on the phone the suspect was carrying, to discover it was registered to another that had it stolen.

 

Officers from the burglary unit would also stress occupants to protect their homes against burglary, especially during this seasonal period where the hours of darkness increase. Marking items of value to the website above and using secure locks are small steps to protect your home.

 

Our officers work closely with intelligence and forensic units to actively target known burglars while our Safer Neighbourhoods Teams (SNT’s) visit the homes of released offenders to deter them from re-offending. The SNT’s are also available to offer crime prevention advice and home security information.

 

Everett Henry, Head of Equality Diversity and Human Rights for the National Policing Improvement Agency recently went out with Lambeth officers as they carried out similar raids such as this morning and commented; "The police work in a very challenging environment and one of the key public concerns is street crime.

 

This requires the police to engage and act swiftly, when out on patrol. I had the opportunity to observe for a day, going out with officers during an operational shift. The unit's professional knowledge of the area and the community using good policing techniques has contributed to tackling street crime and burglary, with the aim of reassuring the public to feel safe in their area. " 

 

DCI Mickey Gallagher who leads on acquisitive crime for Lambeth Met Police comments; “I demand a total policing response from all Lambeth officers and staff that is focused on systematic and ruthless tactics within a legal and ethical framework.

 

The raids conducted today are apart of the some of the daily efforts made by my officers to do whatever is possible to prevent crime and stop robbers and burglars. It is my intention to place the fear of the consequences in committing these crimes, into the mind of the criminals.”

 

 

For crime prevention advice or to contact you SNT please visit the Met Police’s website; http://content.met.police.uk/Home

 

 

End of release

 

As of Tuesday, 1 November 2011 Lambeth Borough Met Police will no longer be using Community Safe to distribute messages. We will be using Neighbourhood Link for future communications. To register to Neighbourhood Link for free, please visit; http://www.neighbourhoodlink.met.police.uk/registration/

I would like to take this opportunity to update you on Operation Withern, which is the MPS response to the disorder last month.

Over 2,100 people have now been arrested across London in connection with this with around 1,200 charges already so far. There will be many more arrests to come including in Lambeth as this investigation continues for several more months.

The scale of this investigation is huge however we remain determined to bring to justice all those who were involved in criminal acts. Forensic and crime scene examiners have been working on more than 1,100 crime scenes across London. There have been approximately 7.8 million internet visits of the suspect images on our Flickr page.  These are available for everyone to look at to identify suspects.

You can imagine the impact that this is having on our resources but the officers on Lambeth have been magnificent. They have been working extended shifts with few rest days.

London has also drafted in extra officers from other forces across the country. For example we have officers from Lothian and Borders Police, North Wales and Gloucestershire Constabulary to name a few that will be patrolling on the Borough as part of the overall MPS response to Withern. 

In Lambeth they have been undertaking hot-spot patrols in some of our high crime locations as well as estate patrols. I know that officers from other forces have welcomed the experience of patrolling Lambeth and have been well received by local communities.

Crime has noticeably fallen since the disorder.

The response from the Lambeth public in coming forward with information has been absolutely fantastic including their support. This has greatly assisted the borough in quickly returning to normality and arresting offenders. We were also not as badly affected as some other boroughs.  I want to thank everyone for their help and ask for their continued support. If you know anyone involved in the looting tell us - don't let them get away with it.

Local Police Teams and SNT’s on the clusters have been involved in reassurance patrols as well as enforcement. Streatham Local Police Team recently searched premises under a warrant and as a result arrested two suspects for burglary as well as a third who was wanted in connection with robberies.

We would like to assure you that we have plans and resources in place to respond to any further disorder and deal with normal policing across the city to keep Londoners safe. We continue to work with our partners and the community to help ensure residents and businesses can go about their daily lives with confidence.

 

Regards,

Pat Beynon

Chief Inspector Safer Neighbourhoods

Lambeth Borough

Over 400 people took to the streets of Lambeth on Saturday 3 September to take a stand against gun and knife crime. In the past ten years eighty people have tragically lost their lives through gun and knife crime in Lambeth of which twenty one have been aged 21 years old or younger. Four have only been aged 15.

 

The march organised by Brixton Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church with support from the Metropolitan Police marched alongside community members, the Lambeth Black Families Forum and the organisation ‘Not Another Drop’.

 

This year’s public rally was themed ‘Be the change’ calling upon the community to begin living in ways that encourage peace towards each other. A focus was placed on everyone in Lambeth including young people to take personal responsibility in becoming positive influences among their peers. Taking this initiative to ‘be the change’ they wish to see in the world, as opposed t o passing on that responsibility and empower young people to take control of their future.

 

Members began the march from outside the Brixton Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Ducie Street at 12:00pm and made a procession through Brixton before assembling at Windrush Square, SW2. The march was led by the Drum Corp of Brixton and Lewisham SDA Pathfinder Youth Clubs

 

Upon arrival at Windrush Square the congregation and joining members of the public were welcomed by Layne Robinson who is a Youth Leader, before hearing songs and speeches from some of Lambeth Councillors, XLP youth charity, Lambeth Black Families Forum, community members and Chief Inspector Patrick Beynon of the Met Police in Lambeth.

 

Pastor Maureen Rock, intern Pastor of the Brixton Seventh-Day Adventist Church, is encouraged by the young people and their passion to lead a positive change within their community.  She said, “Our church’s stance is that we will be a Christian presence in Brixton and beyond.  This march is an expression of the unity we want to see in the community. This march is our way of saying we are joined in unity to enable this change to take momentum”

 

Chief Inspector Patrick Beynon of Partnership for Lambeth Met Police comments: “The community should unite together as we have seen today. Everyone can play a part in helping to make Lambeth a safer place to live. These murders must stop. The police alone cannot achieve this. It is only through everyone making a stand and working together that we can and will make a significant change”.  

 

Police Sergeant Paul White of Ferndale Safer Neighbourhoods Team helped to organise the march and was on hand with his team to ensure public safety and to prevent any public disorder while supporting the important community issues being raised. PS White added; "This march has helped bring the community together in a very worthwhile cause, and will help divert some youths from gangs while sending a message that the whole community is against this violence."

 

END OF RELEASE

The Metropolitan Police Service is urging Londoners to take care of their valuables when out and about in a renewed awareness campaign, launched today, 5 September to help reduce street crime. To support the campaign a 1000 officers and PCSOs will be helping and engaging with school children across London as they start their new school year.

 

As operational activity to tackle personal robbery continues, including increased patrols in key locations and pro-active investigations to arrest suspects the MPS is asking Londoners to take simple steps to help themselves from becoming a victim.

 

While overall crime in London continues to fall there has been a recent rise in street robbery. The main factors for this year’s increase are a rise in the theft of high-value smart phones and digital media players; and gold jewellery robberies where stolen chains and necklaces are being sold for cash through the second-hand market - largely driven by the high value of gold.

 

The campaign, comprising of radio, roadside and online marketing activity will advise Londoners of how thieves see possessions as cash and reminds the public to take care where they take their valuables out.

 

To coincide with the new academic year the Met will be supporting children, especially year seven pupils just starting secondary school to advise them on how to keep safe. As 11 year olds start their new schools they are often making longer journeys or have new phones. At this time of year we have previously seen an increase in the number of young people (11-16) whose mobile phones are stolen after leaving school.

 

From today (5 September) until half-term (21 October) about a 1000 police officers and community support officers (PCSOs) will be deployed each day specifically to protect young people as they make their way home from school or college. They will provide a visible presence outside schools, in and around transport hubs and even on buses to reassure young people, give them tips on how to keep safe, and letting them know about SAFE: the Met’s youth website.

 

Assistant Commissioner Ian McPherson, head of MPS Territorial Policing said: "We take street crime very seriously - being robbed can be a traumatic experience and so tackling it is a key priority for us and we are doing everything we can through enforcement, education and prevention to address it.

 

“While concerted actions to tackle street robbery continue - including thousands of arrests under Operation Target, the Met’s drive on crimes against people and property - we are asking the public to take some basic precautions to help minimise the chance of it happening.

 

“When you are out, where possible try to keep any valuables hidden. Smart phones and media players are becoming must-have items for many people - that includes criminals too. They simply see these items as cash.

 

"Many robberies happen when people check their phones just after leaving a train or underground station, or when they are going about their business and may be distracted. Young people too, especially secondary school-aged children are also targeted - usually after school by other young people.

 

"We’re not asking the public not to use their phone or media players in public, or not to wear jewellery - we are just advising them to be vigilant about where and when they use or wear them.”

 

This year the MPS has been working with a range of partners and industries to help tackle the issues.

 

We’ve been working with local authorities to close down disreputable businesses and venues such as pawn shops, licensed premises, and crack houses - places which can attract or generate crime and anti-social behaviour.

 

In August the MPS and Cash Converters signed an information sharing agreement at New Scotland Yard to help tackle the issue of stolen goods being sold on the second-hand market. Under the terms of the London-wide agreement, the two sides will share information about any suspicious goods brought into the store and any items recovered by police.

 

We are working with the second-hand gold industry to look at ways of preventing thieves using this method of making financial gain from their crimes. The rise in gold chain snatches is believed to be because of the increased price of gold, and it is suspected that thieves are using second hand gold dealers to offload stolen jewellery. The MPS is aware of at least one incident where a gold chain stained with blood (likely to have been a victim’s) was sent in the post to a second hand gold business.

 

The MPS has also been working with the mobile phone industry to see how technology and software, such as tracking applications (apps) can help reduce street crime. Many of the latest smart phones can access apps which can help find lost or stolen mobile phones. Recently, a number of alleged suspects have been found in possession of stolen phones and tablets after police had found them due to the owner activating tracking software and applications.

 

In one case a 14 year old girl was arrested after officers used GPS tracking technology to find an I-Pod stolen in Brent on 2/8/11. The 13 year old victim had activated an app allowing the location of his phone to be traced. Officers followed the signal to an address in Wembley and arrested the girl who was found in possession of the I-pod. She was later convicted at Brent Youth Court on 22 August and sentenced to a referral order.

 

Londoners are also advised to keep a record of their phone’s IMEI number: its unique reference number. To find out the IMEI number type in *#06# and it will display the 15-digit number, which can then be registered at www.immobilise.com.

 

AC McPherson added: “As well as taking care where you take out your valuables, we urge owners of smart phones, MP3 players and tablets to record the IMEI number and register it at immobilise.com. We also advise owners to lock their devices, and utilise existing and freely available GPS tracking and location apps. These actions can help us find the phone if stolen as well as arresting the person who stole it.

 

“I’d like to remind Londoners that street robbery is still relatively lower than in previous years including 2006 when robbery was at peak levels. Our actions, particularly under Operation Target have helped stop the increase in robbery, while achieving reductions in overall crime and violence.

 

“There are seven million residents and a million visitors in London every day - this means the likelihood of being robbed in the capital is tens of thousands to one.

 

“We are here for London, and to help make sure people - whether young or old - can go about their daily lives as safely as possible. We are determined to do what we can to stop it happening in the first place, catch those responsible and bring them to justice.”

 

For more information or advice on how to keep safe visit www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention.

 

The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) is consulting on London's policing priorities. We are interested in your opinion.

 

Please take part in a short questionnaire to tell us your views. To complete a questionnaire click on www.mpa.gov.uk/publications/policingplans/haveyoursay or call 020 7202 0063, leave your name and address and we will send you a paper copy.

 

If you require a telephone questionnaire please call 020 7202 0063, leave your name and telephone number and somebody will call you back.

 

Please feel free to pass details of the consultation on to your friends, family or colleagues. The consultation closes on Friday 25 November 2011.

_______________________________________________________

 

If you are a business owner we also want to hear about what crime and policing issues are important to you and your business.

 

Please take part in a short questionnaire to tell us your views. To complete a questionnaire click on;  www.mpa.gov.uk/publications/policingplans/haveyoursay-businesses/ or call 020 7202 0063, leave your name and address and we will send you a paper copy.

 

We look forward to hearing your views on policing in London.

Police are advising motorists to avoid using Atlantic Road area of Brixton Road, SW9 this morning following a fire at a Foot Locker store.

At approx, 23:00hrs on Tuesday, 16 August police were alerted to smoke coming from Foot Locker on Brixton Road near the junction with Atlantic Road, SW9.

The London Fire Brigade is in attendance and officers are at the scene assisting with road closures.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Atlantic Road is closed at both ends (Brixton Road and Coldharbour Lane) and is expected to remain that way for most of the morning.

 Our local efforts to bring those responsible for last weeks violence has continued over the weekend and through this week. Dozens of warrants have been executed and arrests have followed. We are using every available means of forensic, CCTV and witness Information to continue to collate suspect details and take robust and speedy action.

 

Our officers have worked tirelessly with partners to bring normality back to the streets of Lambeth and the support of the community has been overwhelming.

 

Our Safer Neighbourhoods Teams return to their normal duties tomorrow and will be available to you, for consultation and advice.

 

Please ensure that members of the community and local businesses with whom you have contact are passed this message of thanks and encouraged to contact their local Safer Neighbourhoods Team with any concerns or information via the Met Police Website http://content.met.police.uk/Home

 

Our local officers and staff from the frontline though to the management are grateful for all your help and support.

 

Please see below for some messages from our Central Management regarding the disorder along with key messages.

 

At the time of this posting, the MPS have arrested 1,685 people in relation to the disorder. Of those, 985 people have been charged.

While 237 officers have been were injured during the disorder.

 

·          What is needed now is peace, stability and proportionate justice for all.

·          The continued recovery of the business community is essential in order to get London moving forward.

·          The IPCC has appealed for witnesses to the shooting of Mark Duggan.

·          Communities, Police and Partners should ensure they listen to the voices of young people when looking to develop local solutions to recent events.

 

Help us to identify those responsible in the disorder by viewing the suspects images found on the MPS Flickr page;

 

www.flickr.com/photos/metropolitanpolice/

In response to Operation Withern the MPS’ investigation following the London disorder Lambeth Local Policing Teams and specialist search officers conducted estate sweeps in Stockwell and Brixton recovering numerous weapons and evidence of criminality.

 

Saturday, 14 August saw officers search the grounds of Stockwell Gardens Estate SW9 supervised by Detective Sergeant Lucas. They found three knives, one claw hammer, one mobile phone and an amount of illegal drugs.

 

Sunday, 15 August saw officers search the grounds of the Moorland Estate SW9 recovering credit cards, two small knives, two poles, one bat and three knives.

 

These items have safely been removed from circulation and will be forensically examined then eventually disposed of safely.

 

You can help us by assisting in the identification of people that have been looting, rioting and committing crime.

See met.police.uk/disordersuspects to view images of people the police want to speak to in connection with the London riots. Call 020 8345 4142 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you have any information. 

Lambeth Met Police Officers have arrested three teenagers on suspicion of violent disorder and handling stolen property following a series of raids in the borough yesterday morning (Sunday 14 August).

Police searching four addresses in the Brixton area found clothing from JD Sports and H&M believed to have been looted during the disorder in Brixton on Monday, 8 August.

The young men arrested, two aged 15 and one aged 17, had been identified from CCTV footage recorded on the night.

The three youths remain in custody, with police continuing to search the properties.

Lambeth Met Police DI Spencer Barnett appealed to the public saying: "If you know who was out there on the night, or if you know where any stolen property is, I would urge you to call the police so that we can take action.

"We want to reassure the residents of London that we will bring these offenders to justice and restore property to its rightful owners."

The Metropolitan Police have now arrested 1580 people in connection with violence, disorder and looting in London. Of those arrested, 330 are juveniles. A total of 923 of those arrested have been charged.

See met.police.uk/disordersuspects to view images of people the police want to speak to in connection with the London riots.

Call 020 8345 4142 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you have any information.

13.08.11

 

Lambeth Borough Police have made further arrests over last night with more to come and we continue to proactively investigate these crimes.

The Metropolitan Police Service has now arrested 1222 people in connection with violence, disorder and looting. 704 of these have been charged.

They include:
A man has been charged following an attack on a jewellers in Church Road, SE19, on the evening of 9 August.

Aaron Vincent Douglas, 18 (27/1/93), of Gibbs Square SE19 was this evening charged with burglary and will appear at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow, 13 August.

The Government has announced a multi-million pound support package for local firms and communities following the recent incidents of public disorder across England. If your insurance doesn’t cover riot damage, or you don’t have insurance at all, you may be able to claim compensation from your local police authority.

To claim, complete a claim form and send it to your local police authority. You can download this form, and find your local police authority, by following the links below;

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198958

For Disorder Update for Businesses Issue 4, see the web link;

http://content.met.police.uk/News/Updates-and-advice-for-businesses/1260269396125/1257246745756

Lambeth Borough Police continue to have a high number of officers on duty to provide security and reassurance to the local community. Officers and staff continue to work long hours at short notice in very challenging circumstances.

 

Ongoing resilience and contingency planning is in place to ensure a proportionate policing response can be maintained for the weekend ahead. The investigation team has been receiving useful information from the public which is being acted upon.

 

You can help us by assisting in the identification of people that have been looting, rioting and committing crime.

 

Anyone with information should call our incident room on 020 8345 4142.

 

Alternatively you can call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

12.08.11

 

Lambeth Borough Police have made further arrests over last night with more to come and we continue to proactively investigate these crimes.

 

The Metropolitan Police Service has now arrested a total of 1051 people in connection with violence, disorder and looting. 591 people have been charged.

Commander Christine Jones said: "The large number of arrests is testament to the professionalism and dedication of all the officers involved in this operation.

"We have outstanding officers who have been working around the clock to proactively arrest those involved in disorder both on the street and as a result of detective work through Operation Withern.

"We're sending a clear message to people: if you get involved in disorder we will catch you."

The Government has announced a multi-million pound support package for local firms and communities following the recent incidents of public disorder across England. If your insurance doesn’t cover riot damage, or you don’t have insurance at all, you may be able to claim compensation from your local police authority.

To claim, complete a claim form and send it to your local police authority. You can download this form, and find your local police authority, by following the links below;

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198958

For updates and business advice, see the Met web site;

http://content.met.police.uk/News/Updates-and-advice-for-businesses/1260269396125/1257246745756

Lambeth Borough Police continue to have a high number of officers on duty to provide security and reassurance to the local community. Officers and staff continue to work long hours at short notice in very challenging circumstances.

 

Ongoing resilience and contingency planning is in place to ensure a proportionate policing response can be maintained for the weekend ahead. We have a large number of detectives working to identify arrest and put before the courts those responsible for these disgraceful criminal acts. The investigation team has been receiving useful information from the public which is being acted upon.

 

You can help us by assisting in the identification of people that have been looting, rioting and committing crime.

 

Anyone with information should call our incident room on 020 8345 4142.

Alternatively you can call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

There has been no disorder in Lambeth since the last message.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Steve Kavanagh said: "In the early hours of this morning we started knocking on doors to arrest people. We have got more than 100 warrants which we will be working our way through over the coming hours and days. With so many officers on duty we want to use their time by going out there and arresting burglars, robbers and thieves - those people who cause concern and crime in our communities. Some of those warrants are also directly linked to Operation Withern's ongoing investigation."

Lambeth Borough Police had a high number of officers on duty yesterday to provide security and reassurance to the local community following the disorder over recent days. Officers and staff continue to work long hours at short notice in very challenging circumstances. Overnight we have made further arrests with more to come and we continue to proactively investigate these crimes.

 

Ongoing resilience and contingency planning is in place to ensure a proportionate policing response can be maintained. We have a large number of detectives working to identify arrest and put before the courts those responsible for these disgraceful criminal acts. The investigation team has been receiving useful information from the public which is being acted upon. Lambeth police continue to work towards Chief Superintendent Ephgrave's five strategic intentions: Securing the safety of the public and our staff; preventing disorder; protecting property; investigating offences; maintaining/restoring community confidence.

 

You can help us by assisting in the identification of people that have been looting, rioting and committing crime.

 

Anyone with information should call our incident room on 020 8345 4142.

 

Alternatively you can call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

From the MPS in Lambeth: There has been no disorder since the last message. A significant police presence is deployed on the Borough.

 

Lambeth Senior Management Team continues to meet regularly to assess all information received and review our policing response. Our intentions continue to be to work in partnership with the local community to minimise the potential for disorder and to minimise the opportunity to commit crime and deal appropriately with offenders.

 

Alastair Pocock | Inspector Clapham Cluster
Metphone; 32667 Telephone 020 8649 2667 Mobile; 07796 693052

E-mail; Alastair.Pocock@met.police.uk

From the MPS in Lambeth: There was no major disorder on Lambeth Borough last night. There was a significant police presence on the Borough. Arrests were effected for various offences.

Lambeth Senior Management Team continues to meet regularly to assess all information received and to review our policing response. Our intentions continue to be to work in partnership with the local community to minimise the potential for disorder and to minimise the opportunity to commit crime and deal appropriately with offenders.

Last night was the worst the MPS has seen in current memory for unacceptable levels of widespread looting, fires and disorder.

The MPS responded with the largest policing operation of the three nights to date (approx 2,500 officers in addition to 3,500 officers already on boroughs). This included receiving aid from other forces and using armoured vehicles to support officers on the ground to clear areas of trouble.

A significant number of arrests were made (well over 200 overnight - in excess of 450 over the three nights), leading to all MPS cells being full and prisoners being taken to surrounding forces.

Those involved in criminality should be under no illusion that we will pursue you. We have been making arrests all evening and have a team working during the night examining CCTV images. We will follow up evidence in the coming days in order to bring anyone else responsible for criminal acts to justice.

Disturbing levels of violence were directed at officers again, leading to 44 being injured last night, which included an officer being driven at resulting in broken bones, and another officer receiving an eye injury that is likely to need surgery (separate incident).

14 members of the public were also hurt, including a man in his 60's who has life threatening head injuries.

Over the last 24 hr period we have taken almost 400% more 999 calls than normal (5,400 emergency 999 calls normally compared to almost 20,800).

Trident has launched an investigation after a 26 year old man was found with a gun shot wound in Croydon. He is currently in hospital in a serious condition.

Officers and staff continue to work long hours at short notice in very challenging circumstances.

We continue to have the plans and resources in place to respond to any further disorder, deal with normal policing across the city and keep Londoners safe.

Police were called at approx. 12:50hrs on Tuesday, 12 July to reports of a male shot in Black Prince road, SE11.

Officers and LAS attended and a 20-year-old man was found suffering gun shot wounds. The man has been taken to hospital where his injuries are being treated as life threatening.

Enquiries by Lambeth officers into the circumstances of the incident have begun and detectives from Trident have been informed.

There have been no arrests at present and enquiries continue.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with any information to contact them.

Anyone that can assist police should call police in Lambeth on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

As latest figures reveal that less than a quarter of 999 calls require an emergency response, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), together with other police forces in the south east is today, Monday 11 July launching a new contact number for the public.

The new number, 101, is part of a national programme to improve access and will give the public one easy way to get in touch with the police for calls that do not require an urgent response. For example, the public should call 101 to report a crime that has already happened, seek crime prevention advice or make us aware of local policing issues.

It is being introduced to improve access to the police, ease pressure on 999 and to help tackle crime and disorder. In London the new number is just one of the ways the Metropolitan Police Service is modernising and improving our services while making them more accessible to the public. As well as calling us on 101 or 999, the public can use our online services to get information or report crime; join virtual neighbourhood ward panels to oversee and influence local policing; visit a police station or front counter 24/7; or approach an officer in the street.

Introducing 101 the MPS will be joined by some of our neighbouring police forces including Hertfordshire, City of London and Essex in being early adopters of the new number.

As with 999, calls to 101 in London will be handled 24 hours a day, seven days a week by specially trained officers and staff at the MPS's Central Communications Command who will help deal with enquiries. For people who speak no or little English they can also dial 101 where their call will be connected with an interpreter. Callers who are deaf, deafened or have a hearing or speech impairment can use a textphone to call: 18001 101; or in an emergency it's 18000.

According to official MPS figures, in April 2011 there were 161,008 recorded 999 calls, 32,941 (20%) of which were graded as an immediate response required i.e. a genuine emergency. This means the remaining 80% would be more appropriate for 101.

Metropolitan Police Service Assistant Commissioner for Territorial Policing Ian McPherson, said: "The introduction of 101 is one of the biggest changes in the way people can contact the police since 999 was introduced in the 1940s.

"Having just two phone numbers - 101 for reporting a crime that has happened, to get advice or to raise local policing issues - or 999 if it's an emergency, makes calling the Met a lot easier and makes our services more accessible.

"It's also expected to reduce the number of inappropriate 999 calls the Met receives, enabling us to respond to genuine emergencies more effectively.

"Only about 20% of 999 calls require an emergency response from the police. 999 should only be used in an emergency, that is when a crime is happening, when someone suspected of a crime is nearby, or where someone is injured, being threatened or in danger. For all other matters the public should call us on 101.

"There are now many ways for the public to get in touch with the Met: you can approach an officer in the street; you can visit a police station or front counter 24/7; you can report crime or get advice on our website; you can join one of our virtual neighbourhood ward panels and now you can call 101 if you don't require an immediate response. We can also come to you at a time and place to suit you - last year we made 80,000 appointments. You can also get in touch with your local (Safer Neighbourhoods) policing team to discuss policing or crime concerns in your area.

"Even if your first language is not English we can still help as we can set up a three-way conversation between the caller, police operator and a qualified interpreter. We also have a text phone service for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

"Dialling 101 provides a direct link to your police, where you can get information, advice and access to your local policing teams.

"101 is just one of the ways we are improving and modernising our services - a commitment demonstrated by increased levels of public confidence in the MPS - now one of the highest levels of all UK police forces. The MPS is here for London and we are determined to keep on improving our services while making them accessible to all communities in London."

Mayor of London Boris Johnson welcomed the introduction of 101 and said: "This quick and easy 101 number will help with a wide breadth of important issues that don't require an immediate response. Some people have inadvertently used '999' for things which aren't emergencies, and this number will free up our blue light brigade to concentrate on critical matters, whilst offering the public an excellent way of reporting other issues.

"We've been exploring the widespread potential for this service at City Hall and I hope this number will be more widely adopted in the future across an even broader range of services."

Supporting today's launch Home Office minister for policing Nick Herbert said: "This is a significant step forward in our ambition to reconnect the police and public. 101 in London will give the public a memorable non-emergency number so that they can get in touch with local forces.

"It will make crime easier to report and help the police to tackle crime and disorder."

Commander Ian Dyson, City of London Police and ACPO lead on contact management, said: "101 is a number to ring your local police force. It's simple and straight forward. If it's an emergency call 999 if it's not, call 101. This number provides a universal, easy to remember 3-digit telephone number for people living or working in London.

"We would remind the public that they should always continue to call 999 in an emergency - for example, when an immediate response is needed because a crime is happening, someone suspected of a crime is nearby, or someone is injured, being threatened or in danger."

The 101 contact number is being introduced across the country over the next 12 months, and in London will replace the existing '0300' number. The aims of introducing 101 are to:

- Help communities to keep their neighbourhoods safe by giving them one easy way to contact their local police and to report non-emergency crime and disorder;

- Make the police more accessible to their communities, whilst reducing pressure on the 999 system and helping the police to put their resources where they are needed most.

- Help the police to cut crime by making it easier for the public to pass on information about crimes in their neighbourhoods and allowing the police to take swift action.

To help inform Londoners about the new service the MPS is delivering an information campaign which will comprise radio, press and roadside advertising. Pan-London media will be targeted as well as ethnic, specialist and disability titles to reach London's diverse audiences.

A range of publicity materials is also being made available for officers and staff to distribute local communities.

The campaign is just one element of a wide platform of communication work that the MPS will be undertaking to raise awareness of the different ways that members of the public can access our services.

 

Lambeth Met Police have successful negotiated the departure of a small group of travellers who set up camp on Streatham Common last week in time for the annual Streatham Festival that took place the weekend of the July 3. The caravans ‘moved in’ the Thursday before the festival weekend and caused great concern to the local community who were anxious about how the dozen vehicles and their travelling residents would impact on the celebration. Lambeth Met Police Streatham Cluster Inspector Nick Fallowfield engaged the travelling community’s leader and explained to them the concerns and the upcoming plans, to which it was agreed they would leave by Friday 7pm. Their departure was overseen by Lambeth Officers and supported by the Local Authority who attended the site to ensure the departure went smoothly and to clear any debris left on site by the grounds maintenance contractor, Veolia. Liberal Democrat Councillor for Streatham Wells, Alex Davies said: "Streatham Festival volunteers work tirelessly over the course of the whole year to make sure this special week is a success. The Council owe it to them to do everything possible to get these motorhomes moved." The travellers left without any problems and had stated how easy it is to solve issues, if only they are spoken to with understanding and without prejudice. END OF RELEASE

In a joint up approach to improving the environment, addressing community concerns about safety and tackling motoring offences on the streets of Lambeth, Friday 24 June saw proactive work under Operation Freshview carried out by Ferndale Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) and Lambeth Local Authority’s Parking Enforcement and Environmental Services. Please see attached for results and photo's.

• Operation Freshview comes to Ferndale (344 KB)

The Met Police has carried out raids on 12 addresses across south London this morning (28 June) in a coordinated operation to dismantle a gang of organised street robbers. Today’s activity took place in Wandsworth, Lambeth and Merton and Croydon Boroughs and is part of the Met’s renewed drive to tackle crime against people and their property under Operation Target. The group is believed to be responsible for an estimated 45 to 50 robberies on young people in Wandsworth, Tooting and Streatham over the last nine months. The gang is led by a ‘Fagin’ type of character, who is believed to have encouraged the group, of at least 20 young people, to commit the robberies. The victims are primarily schoolchildren - aged 13 to 16 years old - who have been subjected to group attacks in order to rob them of mobile phones and other sought after personal belongings. The group have also targeted lone females and on a couple of occasions convenience stores. Ten males - aged [A] 25, [B]18, [C]14, [D]17, [E]17, [F]15, [G]14, [H]17, [J]17, [K]16 - have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery this morning. They have been taken to various south London police stations and remain in custody. A range electronic equipment believed to be stolen has been recovered and police have seized two knives in the searches. The property includes items such as laptops, mobile phones, iphones and sim cards. Prior to today’s action, seven young women - aged between 14 and 17 - had been arrested in May and bailed in connection with this inquiry. The operation is being led by Wandsworth borough police with extra resources from neighbouring boroughs and central Met units. Detective Superintendent Gerry Campbell, from Wandsworth police, said: “Today’s activity forms part of the Met’s renewed crackdown on crimes against people and property called Operation Target”. “Offenders should be in no doubt that robberies and violence which brings misery to individuals and our communities will not be tolerated. We are absolutely resolute in our determination to tackle violent crime in all its forms and make London safer.” Since Operation Target was launched on June 8, there have been 3,749 operational activities from increased patrolling or proactive investigations, and nearly 2,005 arrests for offences including burglary, robbery and possessing firearms.

Police have charged four men on Saturday, 25 June, with the murder of Kenrick Wickham on 23 June in Berry Lane, SE21. They are: Kurt McLean - 26, dob 20/03/1985 - of Vassal Rd, SW9. Devana Palmer - 20, dob 27/12/1990 - of Curzon Rd, N10. Samir Yusuf - 22, dob 09/10/88 of Dorset Rd, Brixton, SW8. Anthony McKenzie - 22, dob 20/06/89 - of Falling Lane, West Drayton. All four appear in custody at Camberwell Green Magistrates' court on Saturday, 25 June. This follows police being called at 00.54 hrs on Thursday 23 June by local residents to reports of a disturbance and possible shots fired in vicinity of Clive Road and Berry Lane, West Norwood, SE21. Officers attended and found a male lying in the street. They attempted to resuscitate the man, giving CPR until arrival of the London Ambulance service, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police believe they know his identity but next of kin are yet to be informed. A post mortem examination will be scheduled in due course. An incident room has been opened under Detective Chief Inspector Neil Hutchison from Trident. DCI Neil Hutchinson said: “We would like to hear from anyone who has information in relation to this murder. Did you see anyone behaving suspiciously in the area between the hours of 11pm and 1am? This is a quiet residential area and someone may have seen or heard something that will assist us in this investigation.” Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact the Incident room on 020 8247 4553 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Metropolitan Police are committed to making London a great and safe city. One such aspect of policing is dealing with Domestic Violence and Hate Crime which Lambeth Officers proactively tackled today (Wednesday 22 June) with a series of raids under Operation Athena that has seen eleven people arrested. Domestic violence is a crime that cuts across all social, cultural and religious boundaries. It has devastating and far-reaching consequences for victims, their families and the wider community. While Hate Crime is any incident perceived by the victim, or any other person to be racist, homophobic, transphobic or due to a person's religion, belief, gender identity or disability. Spearheading this effort in reducing such serious crimes are specialised Community Safety Units located in each of our 32 boroughs. Lambeth Borough Police Community Safety Unit (CSU) deals with approximately 5000 incidents of domestic violence per year of which around half are recorded as criminal offences. Cases can range from criminal damage, assaults and harassment to the more serious crimes of false imprisonment and attempted murder. In the most extreme cases domestic violence can result in death and in 2010/2011 there were 25 domestic violence related murders in London. This is completely unacceptable and this is why our work in partnership with other agencies is vital. The unit also deals with Hate Crime and Honour Based Violence, (HBV) which is a collection of practices that is used to control behaviour within families to protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs and/or honour. Such violence can occur when perpetrators perceive that a relative has shamed the family and/or community by breaking their honour code. Safer Lambeth, the borough’s Community Safety Partnership, leads on the coordinated response to domestic violence and hate crime, and this relies on strong joined up working between statutory and voluntary organisations, including the delivery of support services from our specialist service partners, such as the Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) who provide advice and advocacy to victims. The safety of victims is paramount to all involved and high risk domestic violence cases are discussed in the monthly Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) chaired by the Detective Inspector of Lambeth Police CSU, and coordinated by the Lambeth Council Domestic Violence Team. Sharing information about the risks faced by those victims gives a clearer understanding of their situation, the actions needed to ensure their safety, and the resources available and suited to the individual, are discussed locally and used to create a risk management plan involving all agencies. This also allows agencies to manage the perpetrator in ways that aim to reduce the future risk of harm. In March 2011 Lambeth was awarded the national ‘White Ribbon Status’ for our exceptional multi agency work across the borough in the field of domestic violence. Being the first borough in South London to receive this recognition is reflective of the work that the multi agency partnership undertakes in prevention, education, early intervention and support to individuals and communities while also dealing with enforcement. The Met has been running Operation Athena days since the year 2000 and reflects the commitment to tackling domestic violence and hate crime. Athena raids conducted by the CSU today were carried out across the borough and were accompanied by Councilor Rachel Heywood, Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety. DI Nicky Arrowsmith who leads the CSU comments; “I would like to reassure those that report crimes of this nature to us, that all cases are treated seriously and positive action will be taken. We believe that by taking robust action against perpetrators, supporting the needs of victims, and working in partnership with external agencies, we can make the lives of those suffering domestic violence or hate crimes safer, protect their families, their communities, and prevent re-victimisation”. Councilor Rachel Heywood Lambeth Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety comments; “Domestic violence and hate crime are a widespread problems that cause a huge amount of suffering. They can take place behind closed doors, within the family or intimate relationships, and are not always publicly visible. These crimes often go under-reported and under-recorded, yet a vast range of agencies come into contact with domestic violence survivors and perpetrators every day. Ensuring the safety of those experiencing or at risk of violence is of paramount importance, which is why joint-working across a wide range of statutory and voluntary sector agencies is so crucial to our success. We also want victims to understand that if they ask us for help we will do everything we can to support them and to make them safe.” Support For further information and advice on domestic violence you can contact the Lambeth Gaia Domestic Violence Centre on 0207 733 8724 or www.lambeth.gov.uk/domesticviolence For further information and advice on hate crime you can contact Lambeth’s dedicated Hate crime officer PC Eren Bessim on 07824 474003 or alternatively speak with Lambeth’s Hate Crime coordinator Yvonne Okiyo on 020 7926 2796. Report it to us If you've been affected by domestic violence then let us help you. We will offer you support and give you practical assistance and advice to help you decide what to do next. For an immediate response call 999. Alternatively, you can the Lambeth Community Safety Unit on 020 8649 2019. The police non-emergency number is 0300 123 1212. No matter what has happened, whatever you or anyone else tells us about what happened to you, you will be treated confidentially, sensitively and appropriately. Results; [1] Lambeth Officers have charged Christian Scott aged 22 from Cranwell Road, Stockwell SW9 for domestic common assault. [2] A woman aged 35 arrested from Camberwell SE5 for public order offenses in Lambeth. She remains in custody at a South London Police Station. [3] A man aged 41 arrested from Stockwell SW9 for malicious communications. He remains in custody at a South London Police Station [4] A man aged 54 arrested from Clapham, SW4 for malicious communications. He remains in custody at a South London Police Station. [5] A woman aged 36 arrested from Stockwell, SW9 for GBH. She remains in custody at a South London Police Station. [6] A man aged 20 arrested from Camberwell, SE5 for criminal damage. He remains in custody at a South London Police Station. [7] A woman aged 32 arrested from Brixton Hill, SW2 for common assault. She remains in custody at a South London Police Station. [8] A man aged 24 arrested from Stockwell, SW9 for ABH, threatening behaviour, taking a vehicle without consent, criminal damage and disqualified driving. He remains in custody at a South London Police Station. [9] A woman aged 34 arrested from Notting Hill, W11 for ABH. She remains in custody at a South London Police Station. [10] A woman aged 32 arrested from Camberwell, SE5 for GBH. She remains in custody at a South London Police Station. [11] Lambeth Officers have charged Rrok Doshi (male) aged 46 with two counts of common assault.

Lambeth Borough Police Officers have played their part in Operation Target, a major new crackdown by the Metropolitan Police Service against robbers, burglars and violent criminals. Inline with Operation Target, Sunday 12 June saw the successful conclusion of an investigation by Lambeth Fugitive Unit with assistance from a local Vauxhall night club in sending Andrew Thompson back to prison for breaching the conditions of his licence. Thompson aged 46 years was originally sentenced at the Old Bailey in October 1992 and imprisoned for life for the offences of kidnap and manslaughter where his victim was buried in shallow grave. Thompson has, on six occasions, failed to abide by the conditions of his parole licence, failing to attend Probation meetings and failing to reside at his approved address in Streatham. On 1 May, for the sixth time, Thompson’s licence was revoked after he had failed to reside at his approved address. Using their specialist skills and knowledge it was through the Fugitive Unit’s investigation, that enquiries revealed Thompson frequented a Vauxhall night club which led Lambeth Officers to engage with the management of the licensed premises. It was with their assistance that officers were informed of Thompson’s appearance and arrived to detain him. Detective Constable Geoffrey Worsdell of Lambeth Fugitive Unit comments: “Our partnership with the local businesses of Lambeth assisted us in finding Thompson and illustrates how important partnership working is, in making Lambeth a safe place to be. Thompson regularly flouted the conditions of his licence and will now have to pay the consequence of doing so. Lambeth Fugitive Unit will always be determined to detect those that have committed crime and ensure that justice is done”.