Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A victim has been named following a fatal stabbing in Knightsbridge.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the fatal stabbing of a man in Knightsbridge on Thursday, 9 July.

Police were called to Seville Street at 21:24hrs following reports of a stabbing. Sadly, a man was declared dead at the scene by paramedics after sustaining stab wounds.

The victim has been named as 24-year-old (27.07.2000) Blue Stevens from Yateley, Hampshire. His next-of-kin are aware and will continue to receive support from specialist officers.

Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command, supported by local officers, are pursuing several lines of enquiry and you can expect to see more officers – both uniformed and plain-clothed – on patrol in the area. At this early stage no arrests have been made.

BCU Commander Christina Jessah, who leads policing in Central West London and the Royal Parks, said: “Our thoughts remain with Blue’s loved ones following this tragic incident and they continue to be supported by specialist officers. They have asked for their privacy as they come to terms with Blue’s death.

“We are working at pace to establish the exact circumstances and advise people avoid speculating while we continue our enquiries.

“We understand the impact this incident has had on the local community and local businesses. That is why we have increased the number of police on patrol in the area and I encourage the public to speak to them if they have any questions or concerns.”

Please call police on 0208 721 4961 referencing CAD 8521/09JUL if you were a witness or have any information which might help.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A ‘spiritual healer’ known as ‘Papa B’ who ran a shop in Brixton for over 30 years has been jailed for rape and sexual assault

following an investigation led by Met Police detectives.

The Met is now appealing for other potential victim-survivors to come forward.

Bernard Williams, 77 (21.05.48) of Burrells Wharf Square, E14 was sentenced to nine years in prison on Friday, 11 July at Harrow Crown Court, sitting at Willesden Magistrates’ Court.

He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Williams was found guilty of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault on Thursday, 29 May at the same court following an eight day trial.

Detectives are now appealing to further victim-survivors, as they believe Williams’ offending has the potential to have been more widespread.

Detective Inspector Tom Palmer, who led the Met’s investigation, said: “Williams’ offending is shocking. He abused the trust of the victim, which was built on the respect he had gained within the community, to get close to them and commit the offences.

“I would like to commend the victim on her strength throughout the investigation and thank her for her support throughout the court processes.

“Every woman deserves to feel safe and the Met is dedicated to tackling violence against women and girls by hunting down predatory men.

“We are concerned given the number of clients ‘Papa B’ may have assisted, his position the community for 30 years and his distinctive methods, there may be further victim-survivors who have not yet come forward.

“I would encourage anyone affected to get in contact with us if you feel able – you will be listened to and receive specialist support and guidance, not only from the police but independent charities and services.”

The offending

The Met’s investigation was launched in January 2021, after officers received a report of rape and sexual assault from the victim which occurred at her home address.

Williams was arrested on 21 October 2021 following the report being received and an investigation was launched.

In November 2020 the victim had become unwell and was recommended a spiritual treatment and visited Williams at his shop, ‘Original Products’, Market Row, Brixton.

Williams told the victim there was a spirit inside of her which would eventually kill her. Over the coming months, Williams convinced the victim of his ‘healing capability’. The victim purchased a guard ring and healing bath from Williams, and her mother’s house was ‘cleaned of spirits’. These acts cost the victim and her family over £13,000.

After these measures were unsuccessful, Williams began referring to the need to have sex to remove the spirits.

On 12 January 2021, Williams turned up at the victim’s house unannounced to ‘anoint’ her where he proceeded to sexually assault and rape the victim.

Following the attack, Williams maintained contact with the victim, eventually telling her the process had not worked, and the spirit was back inside her.

The appeal

Following Williams’ sentencing, detectives are appealing for any other potential victim-survivors to come forward.

They are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have bought services from Williams at his store in Market Row, Brixton.

Williams was seen as an elder who was widely known in the community having owned a shop that had been established for 30 years. Detectives suspect that he may have abused this position to offend against other women in the way he did in this case.

Williams is also known to have visited the homes of other customers.

Support for victim-survivors

The victim-survivor involved in this case has been given specialist support and guidance by officers throughout the investigation and court process.

Survivors are encouraged to contact the police by reporting online, or by emailing NWMailbox.Sapphire@met.police.uk who will arrange contact with them.

Alternatively, they can call 0208 733 6311 (0700-2300hrs Mon-Fri) to speak with an officer.

The 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line is a free phone and online chat service for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales who has experienced something sexual that they didn’t want, didn’t consent to or are feeling confused about – no matter when or where it happened. Specialist staff are there to listen, answer questions and offer emotional support. They can be contacted through their website on 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk or by calling 0808 500 2222.

The Met is dedicated to improving our response to violence against women and girls (VAWG). Every woman and girl in London deserves to feel safe, walking home at night, travelling on public transport, at home, or simply going about their daily lives.

The Met is using a number of tactics including our V100 project which targets predatory offenders who are the greatest threat to women, leading to over 100 convictions. We have also rolled out training to 20,000 frontline officers and added 565 specially trained officers and staff into teams tackling VAWG which has doubled charges for rape since 2022 and secured 389 Stalking Protection Orders.

For more information on the Met’s work on VAWG, read our Action Plan.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A murder investigation has been launched after a man who was struck by a car in north London died from his injuries.

Officers were called to Park Road, Hendon, at 16:16hrs on Tuesday, 1 July to reports of a fight between two people.

Witnesses reported seeing weapons before a man was driven at by a car, described as a white Tesla. The vehicle involved failed to stop at the scene but it was found a short time later abandoned in nearby Mount Road.

The victim, 22-year-old Shoaib Kochay, was treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service before being taken to hospital. He sadly died from his injuries on Wednesday, 9 July.

His family are being supported by specialist officers.

Following his death a murder investigation was launched.

Detective Inspector Jon Moseling from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are very much with Shoaib’s friends and family at this sad time and our investigation continues at pace to piece together what happened and to bring those responsible for Shoaib’s death to justice.

“We have been busy gathering footage and speaking to witnesses, but we are still keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time who has not yet spoken to us, especially anyone who may have seen two white Teslas, licence plates BJ22EOT and BK72HHU, either before or after the incident.

“If you have dashcam footage of either vehicle from Tuesday, 1 July, please send it in via our incident page.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing for the area, said: “Our thoughts remain with Shoaib’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“I understand this incident is concerning, but we believe there is no wider threat to the public.

“My colleagues in the Specialist Crime Command are now carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation. We know that the area was busy at the time and there were multiple witnesses to the incident. I would encourage anyone who has not yet spoken to us, to get in touch and support our investigation.”

Anyone with information, footage or images of the incident can visit https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25Y04-PO1

Alternatively, you can call the police on 101 quoting 6173/1JUL or message @MetCC on X.

You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two officers accused of failing to properly care for a man who died having knowingly swallowed drugs have been cleared at a disciplinary hearing.

The hearing, which ended on Thursday, 10 July, found the allegations against PCs Justin Hulf and Mara Sow, both attached to the South Area Command Unit, not proven in connection with the death of Mikias Tekeste.

The hearing had been directed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct after the Met disagreed with its assessment the officers had a case to answer for gross misconduct.

Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn, who leads policing in the area, said: “Our officers have a clear duty of care to those in their custody. However, Mr Tekeste was responsible for his actions that day and knowingly swallowed drugs.

“The hearing has found that the officers with him in the police van that day acted appropriately.

“Our thoughts remain with Mr Tekeste’s family and friends for their loss.”

On 15 July 2023, PCs Hulf and Sow identified Mr Tekeste, aged 30, as wanted on recall to prison. As they arrested him, he threw away a quantity of class A drugs. He was searched and placed in a police van to be transported to Croydon custody centre.

During the journey, he removed two small packages from his trousers and swallowed them. The officers did not see him doing so.

At the custody centre Mr Tekeste informed the custody officer he was withdrawing and a drugs test came back positive for cocaine and opiates. He was further arrested for possession with intent to supply drugs and placed on 30-minute observations. He became unwell in the cell and had multiple seizures, before falling unconscious. Emergency medical care was provided and paramedics attended. Mr Tekeste was taken to hospital but died from cocaine toxicity.

As with all deaths in custody, the matter was referred to the IOPC.

The IOPC investigation concluded that while the search of Mr Tekeste was appropriate, there was inadequate supervision in the police van and PCs Hulf and Sow should face a gross misconduct hearing.

The panel found the officers acted correctly. Mr Tekeste deliberately concealed his actions while swallowing the drugs inside the police van. The risk assessment applied by the officers was accurate with the information they held at the time and the level of supervision and observation was adequate.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man was shot in Tottenham.

Officers were called at 04:29hrs on Thursday, 6 February, to reports of gunshots at a property in Tottenham Green East, N15.

Police attended alongside the London Ambulance Service, and found a man in his 20s suffering from gunshot wounds. Immediate medical attention was provided. He was taken to hospital, where his injuries were assessed as non-life-threatening.

CCTV captured a suspect walking away from the scene. Detectives are keen to identify him and asking for the public’s help.

Detective Inspector Darren Jones, who is leading the investigation, said: “A man was brutally shot earlier this year in Tottenham. It’s vital that we determine exactly what happened and bring the person or people responsible for this crime to justice.

“If you recognise the man caught on CCTV, we urge you to come forward and speak to us.

“A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder during the course of our investigation and has been released on bail but our enquiries continue.

“I am especially keen to locate the gun used which has now been connected to four separate shootings in north London.

“Any information to help identify the suspect or the location of the gun, could be essential in helping us piece together the circumstances of this incident.”

Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the incident – or who has relevant doorbell or CCTV footage if they were around Tottenham Green East at the time – to call 101, quoting CAD 741/06FEB. To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A murder investigation has been launched following a fatal stabbing in Knightsbridge.

At 21:24hrs on Wednesday, 9 July officers, the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance responded to reports from members of the public of a stabbing in Seville Street, Knightsbridge.

Officers attended the scene and found a 24-year-old man who had been stabbed.

The officers gave first aid on arrival but despite the best efforts of all the emergency services, the man sadly died at the scene.

The man’s next-of-kin are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

No arrests have been made at this early stage and a crime scene will be in place for some time while officers investigate.

Superintendent Owen Renowden, who leads policing in Kensington and Chelsea, said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones following the shocking events that took place last night.

“Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command, supported by local officers, are working at pace to establish the circumstances of what happened.

“We are aware of reports that this incident was a robbery. Although this is an active line of enquiry, we are keeping an open mind about all possible motives and the exact circumstances are still to be determined.

“We understand the impact this incident will have on the local community and you will see extra officers in the area to help answer any questions or concerns. ”

Please call police on 101 referencing CAD 8521/09JUL if you were a witness or have any information which might help.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A serving Met officer has been convicted of rape.

PC Tony Watts, attached to the North Area Command Unit, was found guilty and remanded in custody on Tuesday, 8 July following a trial at Croydon Crown Court.

The offence relates to an incident that happened between mid-January and early February in 2020 when PC Watts was off-duty.

The victim-survivor has been supported throughout the course of the investigation and trial by dedicated specialist officers.

Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who leads the North Area policing team, said:

“PC Watts has shown a complete disregard for this victim-survivor and for his duty to protect women and girls – in the vilest way.

“We are going above and beyond at the Met to rid the force of those who corrupt our integrity, and it is quite right that PC Watts has been held accountable for his actions.

“It would have taken a huge amount of courage and strength to speak to police, the way this victim-survivor did, and I hope this conviction provides some closure.

“My message to any other victims who may have experienced a sexual encounter they felt wasn’t right is that they can and should come forward, and we will do everything we can to support you.”

PC Watts was arrested following the incident being reported in May 2022.

He was bailed while further enquiries took place, before being charged with rape on Wednesday, 25 September 2024 and suspended from duty.

He will be sentenced on Monday, 11 August at the same court.

The Met’s professional standards team is aware and a misconduct hearing will now follow as soon as possible.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives have charged a man in connection with the murder of Tyler Hayward who was stabbed to death in Chingford.

Peshman Ahmedi, 22 (09.04.03), of no fixed address, was arrested at the Port of Dover on Tuesday, 8 July following a large police operation in Kent.

He was subsequently charged with murder on Thursday, 10 July. He will appear in custody at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 10 July.

A murder investigation was launched after officers were called to reports of a stabbing in Chingford Mount Road at 21:14hrs on Sunday, 6 July.

Met officers responded with paramedics and Tyler, 26, was found with a stab wound. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he sadly died at the scene.

His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

An organised crime group who supplied cocaine across the UK have been jailed for more than 65 years following an extensive investigation from the Metropolitan Police and the National Crime Agency

A joint Met and National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation has led to an organised crime group being jailed for their role in the supply of cocaine across the capital and the United Kingdom. Their efforts signify officers’ efforts to crack down on drug supply and associated anti-social behaviour and violence, which causes misery to Londoners and those beyond.

The investigation unveiled that Redon Bushi, 32, (27.04.1993), of Cherry Crescent, Brentford, was operating in the leading role of this enterprise over a number of years, with multiple importers and couriers working with him.

He pleaded guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on Monday, 10 July 2024 to –

• two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs,
• conspiracy to transfer criminal property,
• possessing criminal property.

He was sentenced to a total of 24 years’ and 10 months imprisonment on Wednesday, 9 July at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

Encrypted messaging services EncroChat and Signal revealed Bushi had conspired to supply a minimum of 832kg of cocaine, with a street value of up to £81,640,000, across London and the entirety of the UK. Once the Encrochat messages had been discovered, a targeted operation followed and Met detectives started work to dismantle the illegal drug-dealing operation.

The investigation

Met detectives discovered Bushi was using Encrochat under the username of ‘Sealvermouth’ after the platform was cracked by international law enforcement, supported by the NCA.

Their investigation showed that Bushi took precautions to attempt to protect his wider criminal network. His couriers would only be provided post codes, times, and a loose description of the individual they would be providing to.

However, his efforts were combatted by the tenacity of Met officers, who were able to uncover the group’s lines of communication. They thoroughly reviewed each and every device and chat pertaining to the group. They also trawled through hours’ worth of CCTV and were able to piece together the inner mechanics of the criminal operation.

Using this material, officers stopped one of the vehicles belonging to Bushi’s couriers, Ahmad Jabarkhill in June 2020 and found nearly £700,000 on him.

The Met and NCA officers also used covert tactics and intelligence to identify three more of Bushi’s couriers – Arline Sida, Luke Ferguson and Kelvin Hoxha, gathering evidence to show the scale of the enterprise.

In addition to the chats, which were found between the group, fake identity cards were also found, as well as a van with a sophisticated concealment. There was also a camera set up at the location where drugs were being stored so it could be remotely monitored.

Acting on this information, Sida and Hoxha were both arrested in Brentford in August 2023. Searches were carried out at the address and they were found in possession of six kilograms of cocaine.

Luke Ferguson, another member of the criminal enterprise, was then arrested at a ‘safe house’ in Brentford and found in possession of 72kg of cocaine, worth an estimated street value of £6.24 million.

Police and the NCA then launched a manhunt for Bushi after his team were arrested. He stayed in a series of hotels to evade officers, bought a new phone, clothing, and had more than £3,000 in cash. Whilst the manhunt was ongoing, Bushi directed others to check cameras at various addresses to identify any police attendance or surveillance.

He was arrested in Reading in the following days.

Detective Constable David Leitner, who led the investigation on behalf of the Met, said:

“This case demonstrates our relentlessness in pursuing organised crime, while utilising the unprecedented opportunity that Encrochat represent to its fullest effect.

“Bushi clearly believed that these messaging platforms protected him from law enforcement, but they only served to provide us the very evidence to convict him and his associates.

“This shows the Met’s commitment to tackling offenders who are instrumental in supplying drugs to the streets of London.”

The wider criminal enterprise

Ahmad Jabarkhill, 32, (01.01.1993) pleaded guilty to the possession of criminal property at Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday, 22 July 2020 and was sentenced on the same date to two years and three months’ imprisonment.

Arline Sida, 23 (16.02.2002), of London Road West, Amersham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs on Wednesday, 17 January 2024 at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court and was sentenced to 12 years’ 9 months imprisonment on Wednesday, 9 July at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

Kelvin Hoxha, 23, (15.04.2002), of Field Lane, Brentford pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and driving while disqualified on Saturday, 26 October 2024 at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court and was sentenced to 11 years’ 8 Months imprisonment on Wednesday, 9 July at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

Luke Ferguson, 32 (14.04.1993), of Becklow Road, Shepherd’s Bush, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs on Thursday, 21 November 2024 at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court and was sentenced to 14 years’ 5 months imprisonment on Wednesday, 9 July at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

London’s town centres, high streets and communities will see an enhanced police and local authority presence this summer as part of partnership work to build on reductions in theft, burglary, robbery, ASB and retail crime achieved in the capital so far this year.

The Met Police have identified the top 32 town centres and high street locations³ across London that have the biggest challenge with anti-social behaviour, theft and street crime and they will be the focus for enhanced partnership action with local authorities, businesses and communities to tackle crime.

Every single borough will see increased police and partner activity in the hotspot areas including Stratford, Woolwich Town Centre, Finsbury Park, Croydon Town Centre, Shepherds Bush Green, Elephant and Castle, Seven Sisters and London’s West End.

London is a global destination, particularly over the summer months with five million additional visitors expected over the peak tourism season and with school summer holidays beginning soon, our town centres will be very busy. At a time of high demand for policing, the Mayor of London, Met police, local authorities and partners are strengthening their joint work to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour impacting our town centres and high streets.

The top twenty town centre and high streets being focused on by police, MOPAC, local authorities and community partners as part of Safer Summer Streets make up only a small percentage of London overall, but account for almost 10 per of knife crime, 24 per cent of theft person offences and 6 per cent of all ASB calls.*

There will be increased police patrols, intelligence-led plain-clothed operations in hotspot areas, and officers will relentlessly target wanted and prolific offenders who commit multiple offences, particularly shoplifting and ASB, seeking long sentences and Criminal Behaviour Orders.

These summer plans are based on strong partnership working, with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), the Met, local authorities, businesses, community organisations sharing information using a new approach so issues can be identified and acted upon quickly. Local solutions will include the designing out of offences through local authority powers related to licensing, parking, waste management and trading standards.

Thanks to the hard work of the police, London’s Violence Reduction Unit, Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), local authorities and partners, the first six weeks of this financial year have seen promising reductions in a number of crime types compared to the same period last year.

• Knife crime – down by 18.1 per cent
• Residential burglary – down by 17.7 per cent
• Theft from the person – down by 15.6 per cent
• Personal robbery – down by 12.8 per cent.
• Shoplifting – the Met have solved 163 per cent more cases this year than in the same period as last year.

These reductions are in addition to the latest Office for National Statistics Crime stats which show that overall, the violent crime with injury rate is lower in London than in the rest of England and Wales¹. Gun crime with lethal barrel discharges, knife crime with injury for those aged under 25 and homicides in the capital have all fallen since 2016.²

Through more precise targeting of the most dangerous offenders and greater focus on the issues that matter most to Londoners, the Met are arresting more than 1,000 more criminals each month.

Whilst there have been significant reductions in some crime types since the start of the financial year and since 2016, it’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure everyone in the capital is safe and feels safe.

The intensified action to tackle anti-social behaviour and theft is part of ongoing work by the Met and Mayor of London to boost local neighbourhood teams and put high visibility policing at the heart of fighting crime and rebuild community confidence. It is backed with record funding from City Hall which has helped to London’s Safer Neighbourhood teams. Over the last two years the Met has put an additional 500 Met officers and staff ranging from Superintendent to PCSOs into neighbourhood teams and continue to increase officers in these teams, working closer than ever with communities to understand and deal with local priorities.

It also forms part of the Home Office’s national Safer Streets Summer Initiative running from 30 June until the end of September 2025, which will see officers in London focusing on reducing town centre criminality including shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour.

On Wednesday morning, London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Kaya Comer-Schwartz will join Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes, Enfield Council Leader Cllr Elgin Erbil and neighbourhood officers in Enfield to see the ‘Safer Streets Summer’ in action.

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: “The safety of our town centres is more than just policing – it’s about building stronger, more connected communities where everyone feels secure.

“That’s why I was really pleased to meet with local partners and community groups today – along with the police – to strengthen our collaborative work to tackle shoplifting, theft and anti-social behaviour in all its forms.

“We have seen this in action today in Enfield, with officers speaking with local people and business owners addressing their concerns. Across our city there will be partnership led operations to tackle shoplifting and clear, visible neighbourhood officers out on patrol, keeping our communities safe and working to build safer town centres and a safer London for everyone.”

Deputy Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police, Matt Jukes, said: “Our intelligence and data-led approach to tackle the crimes that matter most to Londoners – such as shoplifting, robbery and anti-social behaviour – is already working.

“We’re arresting 1,000 more criminals each month, neighbourhood crime is down 19 per cent and we’ve solved 163 per cent more shoplifting cases this year.

“In 32 of the hardest hit areas, we’re working with the community, councils, businesses and partners, to focus our resources and bear down on prolific offenders and gangs who blight too many neighbourhoods across the capital.”

Cllr Ergin Erbil, Leader of Enfield Council, said: “Creating a safer Enfield is our priority. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhood and community, and here in Enfield we’re proud to be working closely with the Met Police, the Mayor of London and our partners to make that a reality. Safer Streets Summer is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we come together to cut crime and antisocial behaviour.

“Alongside improved policing, Enfield Council is spending time and money towards making our streets safer for those who live and work in Enfield. For example, our dedicated summer parks patrols, launched last month, are helping to stop and prevent antisocial behaviour by providing a visible presence and reassurance. Police officers and our council teams are patrolling our parks and town centres side by side.

“Likewise, our partnership with local policing teams and other partners in Upper Edmonton and Edmonton Green has meant we are tackling serious organised crime and the causes of crime through three steps called Clear Hold Build. Our residents on the most affected estates are telling us they feel safer and better protected. Consequently, they are working with us to combat crime and improve our neighbourhoods.

“We’re committed to building safer, stronger town centres where residents, businesses and visitors can feel safer and can thrive.”

Hannah Wadey, CEO, Safer Business Network said: “Businesses across London have a crucial role to play in keeping our public spaces safe, and Safer Streets Summer is a great example of what we can achieve when we all work together. From preventing crime and anti-social behaviour to creating welcoming environments, this work is vital for our communities and businesses are proud to play their part. When people feel safe, our town centres thrive.”