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Latest News
West End crime prevention operation
Westminster-based officers have launched anti-crime operations in the West End to target criminals and anti-social behaviour in the run-up to Christmas. Approximately one million people travel through Westminster every day, with this number swelling in December as visitors are attracted to the many shops, bars and restaurants. Officers will be working in partnership with Westminster City Council and the British Transport Police to ensure the safety of those who come to the West End. Operation Holly - led by police officers from Marylebone - is an initiative to combat bag and mobile phone thefts, pick pocketing, retail crime, robbery and other offences in the Oxford Street area. Police officers will be working closely with the New West End Company and local retailers to promote crime prevention advice and raise awareness of the perils of pick pockets. The Met is also co-ordinating an initiative where plain clothes officers are invited to work out of retail premises to assist security staff with the apprehension of shoplifters and distraction thieves who take advantage of shoppers. Operation Christmas Party - led by police officers from Charing Cross and West End Central - will focus attention on the Leicester Square area, which is popular with both office workers and tourists for its colourful nightlife. Additional patrols in Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square and the Strand will also be a feature of the operation. The Met is keen to ensure that a safe environment is maintained for everyone who visits the area so that they can have an enjoyable time, but will crackdown on anyone whose anti-social behaviour mars the festivities. Westminster Borough Commander Steve Allen said: "The West End remains a very safe place for people to visit and I would encourage everyone to enjoy the festivities at this time of year. However, criminals are known to take advantage of the large crowds and I would like to remind people to remain vigilant."
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