Local Priorities Personal theft (e.g. pick pocketing, no violence used) Message

I wanted to provide you an update regarding Personal theft (e.g. pick pocketing, no violence used), which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

Officers from the ward teamed up with officers from the Territorial Support Group and completed a bag theft operation in the Bermondsey Street/Tooley Street area on 2 April. The operation targeted known hotspot locations to deter opportunistic thefts and provide reassurance to the public.

The operation was successful, resulting in one arrest for failing to appear, six stop and searches, and one community resolution issued for cannabis possession. Due to the heightened officer presence, there was a significant decrease in reported crime during the operation period. Officers also engaged with local businesses and members of the public as part of ongoing crime prevention and reassurance activity.

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