Arrests increase under Met summer crime crackdown

A crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour in 20 hotspots across London has led to 1,300 arrests.

The arrests include a suspected shoplifter who has been charged with carrying out 113 offences in Waltham Forest, and a man who targeted the same Co-op in Notting Hill on 15 occasions.

The Met analysed crime data to identify the 20 town centres and high streets across London that have the biggest challenge with anti-social behaviour, theft and street crime. These include Stratford, Woolwich Town Centre, Finsbury Park, Croydon Town Centre, Shepherd's Bush Green, Elephant and Castle, Seven Sisters and the West End.

Between 30 June and 10 August, there were 1,376 arrests in the 20 hotspot areas across London – up by a third compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the number of cases solved is up 176 per cent.

The activity is part of the Home Office’s Safer Summer Streets campaign running until the end of September, delivered in partnership with local authorities.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell, the Met’s lead for Safer Summer Streets, said: “Town centres across London continue to see an enhanced police presence this summer, building on reductions in theft, burglary, knife crime and robbery achieved so far this year, and more shoplifting cases solved.

“Despite the Met facing significant demand elsewhere in the capital — including festivals, concerts, sporting events and large protests — we are relentlessly focusing our resources on tackling the crimes that matter most to Londoners. Every day, we are targeting the prolific offenders who make the lives of others a misery.

“Through precise community crimefighting and intensified multi-agency action in 20 hotspots areas, offending is down and arrests are up.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “It's incredibly encouraging to see the impact of the Safer Summer Streets campaign in London is already having, with arrests up by a third and offending down following the Met’s crackdown in hotspot areas.

“Neighbourhood policing not only builds stronger, more connected communities where everyone feels secure, but also increases the public’s confidence in the police. That’s why I’ll continue to prioritise neighbourhood policing and provide record funding for the Met to tackle the issues that matter most to Londoners, including shoplifting, theft and anti-social behaviour, as we build a safer London for everyone.”