Yesterday was another excellent day for BID-funded officers and our partnerships in ensuring safety and security in the London Bridge area. A series of proactive interventions by officers resulted in the arrest of a prolific shoplifter and the disruption of potential criminal activity, demonstrating the effectiveness of partnership working in crime prevention.

A prolific shoplifter was identified and arrested at More London M&S thanks to the vigilance of PC Lee and PC Tom. The suspect, who had multiple previous offences, attempted to steal £72 worth of goods before being apprehended. He was later charged with 23 offences, including multiple breaches of his Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). PC Tom went the extra mile, working a 20-hour shift to ensure the individual was remanded in custody, rather than bailed, preventing further criminal activity.

Later in the evening, PC Lee alongside Team London Bridge Safety & Security Director Nick Morant, identified and monitored two suspicious individuals near the Shipwright Arms Pub. The pair entered the venue, ordered only tap water, and were quickly recognised as potential threats by the manager. Both males were ejected but remained in the area. Lee coordinated with plain clothed British Transport Police (BTP) officers, who followed and later stopped them on Tooley Street.

Officers were joined by the More London Security Team who provided support. The individuals’ details were recorded and compared with ongoing investigations. While they were not found with stolen property, their empty backpacks and laptop bag raised concerns.

Additionally, BID officers collaborated with WH Smith’s loss prevention team to address retail theft concerns. The store’s loss prevention manager praised Team London Bridge’s proactive approach, describing it as the best he had seen across the UK in terms of BIDs tackling retail crime.

These efforts reflect the ongoing success of partnership working in reducing crime, with theft levels in London Bridge now at their lowest since February 2022. Through strong collaboration with businesses, security teams and the Police, we continue to make London Bridge a safer place for all.