St James's

Drug usage and dealing contribute to the violence on St. James, this violence can be a direct result of using drugs in many ways it affects human interaction or as a way of committing other crimes for example Violence Against Women and Girls VAWG in the West End and St James footprint. There are has been reports of drink spiking and sexual assaults mainly linked to the Night Time Economy made possible by illegal drugs. Other forms of violence have been associated with robberies where threat or use of weapon has been a factor.

Issued 05 November 2025

Home Office funding (OP Nightingale) has Increase high visibility patrols in the evening and nights around night time entertainment venues to curb this kind of violence.
Officers will increase engagement and awareness events to engage & educate venue staff members/security to ensure they are aware how to appropriately react if a crime has been committed and appropriately advise their victims. This kind of violence can be tackled by regular engagement with females who work and live on the ward can help broaden our understanding of where the problem areas are through Walk & Talk events and other engagement strategies. Officers will provide awareness training liaising with open venues about ask for Angela and noticing signs of vulnerability. Patrols surrounding our hot spot areas during the peak times for robbery. Review the location of the offences where this is happening and consider Design Out options to prevent this crime from occurring in the first place.

Actioned 31 December 2025

Theft.
St. James is home to some of renowned shopping destinations of Covent Garden, Piccadilly and Strand. With a heavy footfall in pursuit of luxurious shopping experience, so have these areas seen an increase in retail theft. Also the number of thefts from person is on the increase on St. James in areas frequented by tourists from example during Buckingham Palace Guard Change and around Westminster Bridge which attract a lot of tourists.

Issued 05 November 2025

Increased Patrols of both plain and unformed officers in the areas majorly affected. These patrols have been enhanced with the formation of Town Centre Teams (TCTs) who have boosted the number of officers in the West End. In order to combat the thefts, Officers and PCSO’s deliver Crime prevention advice to retail shops and also to other business. Victims of thefts are encouraged to report and these are investigated thoroughly. Collaborative operations between Lambeth and Westminster Councils are conducted on Westminster Bridge monthly.

Actioned 31 December 2025

Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) is any action that causes a person to feel alarmed, distressed or harassed. This can constitute both criminal behaviours for example drugs use, thefts etc and Non-criminal behaviours for example, Noisy neighbours, loitering in public etc. ASB is common prevalent mostly amongst Members of the Street Population. Look to take action against offenders using CPW, CPN and CBO's on prolific offenders.

Issued 05 November 2025

St. James officers have are tackling ASB in many ways through enforcement; they are using Community Protection Warning and Notices to tackle the issue. For the most prolific offenders, officers are building evidence to allow Criminal Behavioural Orders (CBOs) to be issued against them by Court with a viewing of banning them in these areas for a considerable time. Also officers continue to work corroboratively with Council and other partners from the mental health teams to find long lasting solutions.

Actioned 15 December 2025