Latest crime figures for the MPS

Statistics compare the period December 2008 - November 2009 with December 2007 - November 2008. View the latest crime figures for London at: www.met.police.uk/crimefigures.

↓ Total notifiable offences are down by 14,598 offences or 1.7%

↓ Serious acquisitive crime has gone down 8,231 offences or 4%

↓ Robbery has gone down by 667 offences or 2%

↓ Motor vehicle crime has gone down by 11,963 or 10.6%

↓ Knife crime is down by 1,319 offences or 9.9%

↓ The number of victims of youth violence has reduced by 1097 or 5.1%

MPS hosts international public order policing conference to share best practice

The MPS hosted its first ever International Public Order Policing Conference at Wembley National Stadium this month. A range of speakers and international experts in public order addressed the delegates. The theme was to share international learning, examine how policing in the UK adapts to protest and the future of public order policing in the 21st century. The MPS has a huge amount of experience in public order policing, managing in the region of 5000 demonstrations, sporting events and ceremonial occasions every year. The aim of the conference was to support colleagues nationally and ensure that learning is not lost.

Thirty arrested, weapons and drugs seized during operation in Southwark

A two-week operation in Southwark to tackle drug dealers saw 30 arrests and a number of weapons and cash seized. A covert investigation took place and officers executed warrants seizing over two kilos of what is believed to be crack cocaine and heroin along with cannabis and drug paraphernalia. As well as drugs, officers confiscated £35,000 cash, cars and a number of weapons. Two premises which had been used in the supply of drugs were closed and returned to the local authority. Twenty-five people have been charged with drugs-related offences.

MPS e-crime unit takes down fake designer sites

Christmas shoppers stood a better chance of avoiding online fraud this festive season after officers from the MPS’s Central e-Crime Unit took down 1,219 scam websites. Activity targeted websites run by organised criminal networks which alleged that they sold designer items - including Ugg Australia Boots, hair straighteners, and jewellery from Tiffany & Co and Links of London. Innocent shoppers were duped into making what appeared to be bargain purchases, but received either nothing at all or counterfeit products. The websites are thought to have generated money for gangs which could then be used to fund other illicit activity. Officers continue to work with top domain name registrars and the Office of Fair Trading to prevent the future fraudulent registration of sites using false or misleading details.

Officers target illegal cabs in drive to make Londoners journeys home safer

During the festive period, officers have been using a wide range of tactics to crack down on illegal cabs in London. Officers from the Safer Transport Command Cab Enforcement Unit patrolled touting hotspots in central London locations such as the Haymarket, and in south London. They dealt with illegal operating cab offices, touting, and unlicensed and uninsured drivers and cars. They also examined cabs to make sure they were fit for purpose. Officers used specialist undercover tactics to catch touts red handed. The operation was not only successful in arresting illegal touts, but also acquired valuable intelligence. From January 2009 to November 2009 the team made over 950 arrests for cab-related offences and December’s results are currently being collated.