Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
This Freshers’ Week, officers from the Met having been working to deter mobile phone robberies in Shoreditch and educate students on how to protect their valuables.
As part of the robbery engagement operation on Monday, 25 September – branded Op Leuctra – officers from Islington and Hackney worked in partnership with XOYO nightclub, Islington local authority Nightsafe team, Islington Council Licensing team, and colleagues from British Transport Police to raise awareness of mobile phone robberies in the area.
Officers spoke to students outside the club, providing reassurance and educating students and other young people, including those that might be going out in London for the first time, on how to remain safe when on a night out with friends.
Local officers also conducted high visibility patrols to deter potential offenders and to offer reassurance to those in the area on the night.
Officers shared leaflets with useful information on how people can keep themselves and their valuables safe as part of the Met’s refreshed ‘Look up, Look Out’ robbery campaign. The campaign was highlighted on digital screens inside the club and on barriers where club-goers queued to get into the venue.
Night safe wardens, medics, wellbeing staff, and councillors also attended.
Sergeant Neil Fraser, from the Islington Police Licensing Team, said: “We’re taking proactive measures to keep Londoners safe by tackling mobile phone robberies and help everyone safely enjoy their night out this Freshers’ Week.
“We are committed to tackling robbery in all its forms by targeting the hotspot areas, increasing proactive patrols, going after repeat offenders, and boosting community policing as part of the New Met for London plan.
“I am urging anyone that has sadly fallen victim to robbery to contact the police by dialling 999 as soon as the incident has taken place, as this will increase our chances of securing evidence and swiftly identifying the offenders.”
Councillor Heather Staff, Islington Councillor and Chair of one of the Licensing Sub-committees, who attended on the night, said: “Ensuring we have a vibrant night time economy that is diverse and safe for all is a priority, that that is why partnership between organisations is so critical.
“At the start of Fresher’s Week operations like this are crucial in helping people know the measures they can also take to stay safe like ‘look up, look out’, while working with clubs to ensure good management practice including awareness to stop drink spiking.”
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