Met Police to fight back ‘bulk shoplifting’ in London

Key Summary

• Met Police arrests for anti-social behaviour in London are up by a third, with 1,300 recorded in six weeks
• Action targets 20 crime hotspots under the Safer Summer Streets campaign
• Offenders include a shoplifter charged with 113 thefts in 10 days and a man caught with seven stolen phones

The Met Police has stepped up its action against anti-social behaviour in London, and arrests have risen by a third this year.

The police have identified 20 town centres and high streets in London that are notorious for anti-social behaviour, thefts and street crime and increased its vigil.

As per the Met Police reports, around 1,300 arrests were recorded between June 30 and August 10.

The activity is part of the Home Office's Safer Summer Streets campaign running until the end of September.

Police claimed one suspect in Waltham Forest was charged with 113 shoplifting offences in just 10 days.

Another man in Tower Hamlets was caught with seven stolen phones.

Stratford, Woolwich Town Centre, Finsbury Park, Croydon Town Centre, Shepherds Bush Green, Elephant and Castle, Seven Sisters and the West End are some of the crime hotspots.

Deputy assistant commissioner Ben Russell, who is heading Met’s Safer Summer Streets drive, told BBC, "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.”

He said through intensified multi-agency action in 20 hotspots, the number of arrests has gone up.

Darren Watson from the Neighbourhood Policing Team for Lambeth, claimed their main concern is “prolific offenders”, who carry out bulk shoplifting of high value goods from stores.