Category: Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Officers are appealing for help in locating a missing woman from Chadwell Heath who may have travelled to Stevenage.

Renee Baafi-Owusu, 26, was last seen by colleagues at around 14:00hrs on Friday, 22 November, at King’s Cross station where she works for Network Rail.

She purchased a ticket at King’s Cross and it is thought that she took a train to Stevenage. However, it is possible that she has travelled elsewhere.

Officers have released an image of Renee travelling to work on Friday morning. She may still be wearing the same black coat, trousers and trainers. She sometimes wears a face mask.

Her disappearance is out of character, and she has not been reported missing before. Renee’s mother is concerned for her wellbeing and officers are urging the public, and in particular anyone in the Stevenage area, to contact them if they may have seen Renee.

Anyone who may have seen her is asked to call 101 and quote reference 01/1120083/24. For an immediate sighting dial 999.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating a shooting in Ladbroke Grove where a man and a child were injured have made an arrest.

A 32-year-old man [B] was arrested on Tuesday, 26 November on suspicion of the attempted murder of two people and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life – he remains in custody.

Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances which led to a 34-year-old man and an eight-year-old girl suffering injuries following the shooting in Southern Row, W10 at around 17:30hrs on Sunday, 24 November.

The man suffered potentially life-changing injuries. The girl’s injuries are not life-threatening.

A 22-year-old man [A] was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He has been bailed to a date in early February pending further enquiries.

Local residents will continue to see an increased police presence in and around the area of Southern Row over the coming days. We would urge anyone with concerns to speak to one of them.

Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command lead the investigation and ask anyone with information that may assist to come forward. Enquiries remain ongoing to establish the circumstances, including any motive.

Alternatively, if you can help, please call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD reference 5238/24Nov. You can also provide information by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A meticulous investigation by Met police officers means that two men will face prison for committing a series of violent robberies across London and Kent.

James Dixon, 42 (17.10.82) of no fixed address pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to steal, robbery of cash and possession of an offensive weapon during a hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on 28 October. He is due to be sentenced on 18 January 2025.

Thomas Loring, 41 (11.9.83) of Dunkery Road, SE9 was found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery on 25 November at Kingston Crown Court, after the jury deliberated for 42 minutes. He is due to be sentenced on 16 January 2025.

Dixon and Loring were part of an organised crime network based in South London and targeted cash in transit vans, Post Offices and a jeweller’s in a spate of vicious assaults which left victims with serious injuries.

On 26 March, during a robbery on an antique jewellery shop in Chelsea which was captured on CCTV, two shop workers in their seventies were attacked with a claw hammer and around £200,000 worth of jewellery was stolen.

An investigation by the Met’s Flying Squad involved specialist officers reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage, evidential profiling, analysis of DNA, use of vehicle monitoring technology and the identification of fake number plates.

Dixon and Loring were arrested following an attack targeting a cash in transit worker at a Post Office on the Old Kent Road on 19 June during which they punched and kicked the custodian, stealing £26,000.

Antiques expert and owner of Bourbon Hanbury in Chelsea, Ian Towning, said: “The support we got from the police was absolutely fantastic. They’ve been there for me every minute. They’ve always been there. That’s what the police are there for, to help you, to guide you, to take you through it.”

Senior Security Manager at Post Office, Mark Dinsdale said: “We’re grateful to the Metropolitan Police and their officers for all their work to bring these serious criminal offenders to justice.

“Where Postmasters, or our own cash delivery drivers, are the victims of crime this has a devastating impact on them and also a knock-on-effect on our branches’ ability to provide everyday cash and banking services to local communities.

“We will continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to support their efforts to prevent or detect criminal behaviour.”

Detective Inspector Kelly Schonhage, from the Metropolitan Police who led the investigation, said: “Evidence obtained as part of our investigation revealed this criminal network were proficient, competent and well organised and were aware of the impact and relevance of forensic and identification evidence.

“These men inflicted serious injuries and caused immense distress during violent robberies which deliberately targeted the cash and valuables in transit industry and businesses in London and Kent.

“We continue to use innovative methods, data and technology to build intelligence about robbery and combat violent crime in the capital which our New Met for London plan highlights is a priority for the Met.”

The Flying Squad investigates serious organised crime such as commercial robbery, cash in transit offences, high harm offenders and organised crime groups as well as leading the Met’s covert response to kidnappings and product contamination.

As part of the A New Met for London plan, the Met is working to build public trust in police work showing how officers fight crime in communities and keep people safe. The Met is building on work to keep serious violence low, including robbery.

For more information visit: A New Met for London

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The Metropolitan Police Service has launched a two-year pilot of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs), a powerful new tool designed to protect victims and ensure perpetrators of domestic abuse face strong restrictions, which could include exclusion zones.

The pilot, which will go live in November, will operate in the South London boroughs of Sutton, Croydon, and Bromley. DAPOs are part of the Met’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, a central pillar of the New Met for London plan to make the capital safer for all.

DAPOs represent a significant advancement in how domestic abuse is addressed in the UK. The new orders combine the most effective elements of existing protection orders, such as Non-Molestation Orders and Domestic Violence Protection Orders, while removing some of the limitations of those earlier measures. DAPOs aim to control perpetrators and punish those who breach their restrictions offering stronger, longer-lasting protection for victims.

One of the key advantages of DAPOs is their flexibility—they can be issued at any stage, whether or not an arrest has been made, during an investigation, or even post-conviction. Victims can also apply directly through family or county courts, offering them more immediate access to protection. In addition, third parties granted permission by the Home Office may also apply on behalf of a victim.

Innovative Approach to Offender Accountability

DAPOs are not only focused on immediate protection but also on changing offender behaviour. Unlike previous orders, DAPOs can impose positive requirements on perpetrators, such as mandatory participation in drug, alcohol, or behaviour change programmes. The orders may also include electronic monitoring, including the use of GPS tags, to track offenders and ensure compliance. Breaches of a DAPO are a criminal offence and can result in a prison sentence of up to five years, a fine, or both.

The length of a DAPO will be determined by the level of risk posed by the offender, and in extreme cases, could last a lifetime. Perpetrators subject to DAPOs will be closely monitored by the police for the entire duration of the order, ensuring continued protection for victims.

Commitment to Tackling VAWG

The introduction of DAPOs is part of the Met’s wider commitment to protecting women and girls and tackling domestic abuse head-on. The new orders will strengthen the Met’s approach to violence against women and girls by focusing on both prevention and enforcement, as well as ensuring that perpetrators are held fully accountable for their actions.

Commander Kevin Southworth from the Metropolitan Police said:

“Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for the Met and this pilot is another step forward in our work to make London safer for women and girls.

“We’re also strengthening our support for victims-survivors of domestic abuse and using new data-led technology to catch perpetrators and bring them to justice.”

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips said:

“More than two million people are estimated to have experienced domestic abuse in the last year – a number that is appalling, frightening and we are determined to change.

“That’s why one of our first acts to deliver against our ambitious manifesto pledge to halve violence against women and girls in a decade is to launch new, strengthened Domestic Abuse Protection Orders. By bringing together the strongest elements of existing orders into a flexible order that covers all forms of domestic abuse and has no time limit, we’ll ensure more victims receive the robust protection they deserve.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A number of people have been arrested today, Wednesday 27 November 2024, as part of a significant Counter Terrorism Policing investigation led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command into suspected activity linked to the proscribed group Kurdistan Workers Party known as the ‘PKK’.

Six people ([A] a 59-year-old woman, [B] a 27-year-old man, [C] a 31-year-old woman, [D] a 62-year-old man, [E] a 56-year-old man and [F] a 23-year-old man) were arrested at separate addresses across London early this morning. They have all been detained under section 41(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000 and are in custody at a London police station.

There is not believed to be any imminent threat to the public linked to the matters under investigation.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “This activity has come about following a significant investigation and operation into activity we believe is linked to the terrorist group PKK. These are targeted arrests of those we suspect of being involved in terrorist activity linked to the group.

“I hope that these arrests show that we will not tolerate any sort of terrorist activity and that we will take action where we believe there is harm being caused to communities here in the UK or elsewhere.”

As part of the investigation, officers are carrying out searches at eight addresses across London, including at the Kurdish Community Centre in Haringey, north London. The search activity at all eight locations is ongoing. The search at the community centre is expected to last up to two weeks. Both the centre and the surrounding area will be closed to the public while officers continue their work there.

Additional local officers will be carrying out patrols and there will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days, with officers available to speak with any members of the public who may be concerned.

Acting Commander Flanagan added: “This investigation and activity is about protecting all of our communities, but particularly those in our Turkish and Kurdish communities. I would urge anyone who thinks they may have been affected or targeted by those linked to the PKK to get in touch.

“We are also very mindful that closing the community centre may cause inconvenience to some people. Officers will be working as quickly as they can, but these are very serious allegations so it is important that we take care in identifying and gathering as much evidence as we can.”

Anyone with concerns or information relating to the investigation or activities of the PKK can contact police in confidence on 0800 789 321 or by visiting www.gov.uk/ACT

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and any road users with dash cam footage to come forward following a fatal collision in Tower Hamlets.

Police were called at 00:25hrs on Saturday 23 November to reports of a collision involving a bus and a cyclist on Westferry Road, E14.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended. The cyclist, a 45-year-old man, was treated at the scene. Despite the efforts of the medical team he died at the scene.

Officers have been in contact with his next of kin and continue to provide them with support.

The driver of the bus stopped at the scene and is assisting officers with their enquiries. There has been no arrest.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has footage should call police on 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting reference CAD178/23NOV24.