Robbery prevention scheme in London

Expert advice is being given to London retailers on how to avoid becoming a target for criminals in the lead up to Christmas.

The scheme is being implemented after offences rose 7% between November and January in the last financial year.

Flying Squad officers will work with Safer Neighbourhood teams to visit stores across the capital to distribute leaflets about improving security measures.

The move is part of the Flying Squad’s annual Christmas crime reduction initiative and officers’ visits will be supplemented by a series of training seminars for all business owners, to be held at venues in the London districts of Southwark, Lambeth, Haringey and Newham. Each session will last for over an hour and is completely free.

DCI Ian Corner from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Flying Squad, said: “Experience has shown us that Christmas and the mid-winter months are the times of year when commercial premises are more likely to become a target of robbers.

“We recognise that local shops provide vital services to the local community and if they become vulnerable, coupled with the current recessional climate, it can become difficult for small businesses to carry on.”

In addition to their advisory roles, officers will expected to direct people to the Metropolitan Police Service’s online crime prevention pages where more in-depth advice is available.

Jane Parkinson, 29.11.2010