Oval & Vauxhall team arrests made

I wanted to provide an update regarding knife crime, which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

We are aware that many people may be worried about knife crime in their local communities. We are committed to tackling knife crime wherever we find it, in order to keep you safe.  

If you would like to know more about the guidance that is available, our website includes a number of important resources that can offer guidance,  including what to do if you think someone you know needs help,  how to keep people safe, and support organisations you can talk to.  

Passing on information to organisations such as Crimestoppers or Fearless can not only help after a crime or incident, but vitally stop something from happening.

Yesterday (21/07/2025) the Vauxhall and Oval Safer Neighbourhood Teams worked in partnership during a shoplifting operation on South Lambeth Road. The team managed to apprehend a male riding a lime bike who had a kitchen knife in his possession who was then arrested for a Points and Blades offence. While officers were in custody dealing with this suspect a known shoplifter attended a store and stole numerous items. The other half of the team managed to chase this male and apprehend him, arresting him for multiple shoplifting offences.

Working through the day and completing a thirteen hour shift the team managed to charge him for all offences and remand him to court.

With two stop and searches, two arrests and a community protection warning issued the team had a productive, proactive and hard working day. Back in at 0800hrs this morning the team are back out and proactively policing looking to disrupt crime and disorder and address local community concerns.

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.  

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