City of London Police - News & appeals

Officers from the City of London Police are actively appealing for witnesses in the Charterhouse Street EC1 area, exactly one week after a fatal stabbing there. Police are going to be in the area between 8am and 10am asking people who are out in the area to come forward if they have any information. Nicholas Henry, aged 33, suffered a fatal stab injury following an incident near the Raduno nightclub in the Farringdon area at 8.15am on Sunday June 24th. A 25-year-old man, Robert Lee Casey, from Ealing, has been charged with murder and is in custody. Senior investigating officer, DCI John Osibote: ‘If you were in the area a week ago but haven’t come forward because you think what you saw may be too trivial or insignificant we would ask you speak to us as any information you have could be relevant to our inquiries.’ Anyone with information should contact the City of London Police on 0207 601 2222 or alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) has arrested four men in Liverpool believed to part of a suspected ‘bus crash for cash’ scam. Early this morning detectives from the City of London Police-based insurance fraud unit arrested two suspects, aged 35 and 20, in the city, with another two having been detained last month. The operations followed a referral from insurers, working with the Insurance Fraud Bureau, who became suspicious of a series of personal injury claims from a group of up to 30 people who had all been travelling by coach to Belle Vue dog track, located on the edge of Manchester. En-route on the M57 the bus driver was told to pull-over by passengers who said the coach had been hit at the back by a car. The coach driver said he had felt no impact. There was only superficial damage to both vehicles, but the group decided to cancel their trip saying they felt unwell and asked to be taken back to the pub where they had been collected. Before leaving the coach all of the group confirmed to the driver that they had been injured and gave him their personal details. Head of IFED, DCI Dave Wood, said: “Crash for cash is costing industry hundreds of millions of pounds and is responsible for putting a higher price on every driver’s insurance premium and posing a safety risk to road-users. “The problem seems to be particularly prevalent in the North West and IFED making repeated arrests in the region are evidence of how determined we are to tackle this culture of criminality right across the country.” All four men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud and questioned at a Liverpool police station, before being released on bail. Phil Bird, Director of the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), said: “Fraud is not a victimless crime. As honest policyholders, we all pick up the bill for fraudsters. Pre-planned scams like this cost the industry £350 million every year and the IFB plays a key role in gathering the evidence against those who try to abuse the system. “Working alongside IFED and other UK police forces, more and more fraudsters are facing the full force of the law. “If you suspect anyone of committing insurance fraud, you can report them to the IFB’s free and confidential Cheatline on 0800 422 0421 or online at www.insurancefraudbureau.org/report.” IFED was set up with funding from the insurance industry to combat an area of criminality valued at £3 billion per year, working out at £50 per policy holder. Since its January launch detectives have made more than 120 arrests across the UK, in particular targeting the organised crime behind car insurance fraud and opportunistic fraudsters who are submitting bogus claims to make some easy money.

The City of London Police is appealing for the public’s help to find a man suspected of having stolen valuables from staff rooms in City bars – with detectives releasing an image of a man they’d like to speak to. A man struck staff rooms in two bars, one on Watling Street and the other Black Friars Lane, within 20 minutes on the evening of Thursday 24 May 2012 – making off with bar-workers’ belongings including mobile phones and purses. He also targeted a staff room in a Bishopsgate bar in the early evening on Friday 21 October 2011, again stealing bar-workers’ possessions. The suspect is described as being in his mid-twenties, of slim build, between 5’9” and 6’2” and with short ginger or blonde-coloured hair worn in a side parting. He also appears to have a large tattoo on his right forearm and walk with a limp. Investigating officer, DC James Emsden, said: “The suspect enters a premises and casually strolls into its staff quarters where he steals small, high value items before walking out. "I’d like to talk to the man pictured as he may have information useful to my investigation. I’d urge anyone who recognises the man to contact the City of London Police or for the man to contact the force himself.” Anyone with information should call DC James Emsden on 020 7601 2856. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Five men have been sentenced to a total of 79 years in prison for the murder of Daniel Famakinwa in August 2011. City of London Police detectives helped Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) colleagues investigating Daniel’s murder to identify the men after they recovered a firearm in the Square Mile in September 2011. Sentencing at the Old Bailey on Monday (9 July 2012), Judge Nicholas Cook commended two officers from the City’s Roads Policing Unit who were conducting checks to identify unlicensed taxis on Charterhouse Street when they saw a man shoot a gun in a crowd of people and gave chase. No one was injured but the officers arrested Adrian Rhodes (pictured) close to the scene and found a discarded semi-automatic pistol, loaded with three live rounds of 9mm ammunition, abandoned nearby. The force’s Scientific Support Unit officers deployed to preserve evidence on Rhodes and around the areas where the pistol was shot and found. An investigation by the force’s Major Investigation Team (MIT) resulted in Rhodes being charged with firearms offences. Knowing that the pistol could be linked to other crimes, MIT detectives contacted MPS colleagues which brought to light Daniel’s murder a month earlier. The detectives used CCTV footage to establish that three men with Rhodes when he shot the pistol on Charterhouse Street were also present when Daniel was shot in West Norwood. The pistol was later forensically linked to Daniel’s murder. The same month (September 2011), MPS officers arrested and charged the three men – Romelle Bogle, Joshua Chieke and Christopher Perry – alongside another man, Ezekiel Charles-Sterling, with Daniel’s murder. Rhodes was charged with his murder in October. Given the evidential links, it was decided the City of London Police and MPS cases would be heard together. The five men stood trial at the Old Bailey on 26 March 2012 charged with Daniel’s murder. Ezekiel Charles-Sterling, aged 19, of 30 Kitley Gardens, Norwood, was convicted of murder on 31 May 2012 at the Old Bailey. He was also found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of a prohibited firearm. He was sentenced to 24 years in prison for murder and six years imprisonment for each other offence (to run concurrent) at the Old Bailey on 9 July 2012. The four other men who stood trial were convicted of manslaughter and also sentenced at the Old Bailey on 9 July: Romelle Bogle, aged 18, of 45 Fortrose Gardens, Brixton, found guilty of manslaughter - sentenced to 14 years imprisonment. Joshua Chieke, aged 18, of the YMCA, Stockwell Road, Stockwell, found guilty of manslaughter - sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. Christopher Perry, aged 18, of the YMCA, Stockwell Road, found guilty of manslaughter - sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. Adrian Rhodes, aged 19, of 88 Wolfington Road, West Norwood, found guilty of manslaughter. He was further convicted of possession of a firearm and possession of a prohibited weapon following the incident in the City of London in September 2011. He was sentenced as follows: manslaughter - 14 years imprisonment; possession of firearm with intent to endanger life - six years imprisonment consecutive to the manslaughter (in relation to the City of London incident); possession of a prohibited firearm - six years imprisonment to run concurrent (in relation to the City of London incident).

The criminal gang behind a multi-million pound boiler room fraud targeted vulnerable people over the phone, in their local pubs and even pitched up at an England cricket match. Hugh Rodley, aged 65, Phillip Dennett, 41, Julian Silver, 43, Sonny Willis, 28, and Adam Corbett, 31, were today jailed at Southwark Crown Court for a total of 20 years, having yesterday been convicted of running an operation that conned at least 600 investors out of approximately £5 million. City of London Police uncovered a network of ‘investment brokers’ pressurising people into buying worthless shares in a clone company of World Aqua Tech International, along with European Land Development Agency, Art IT and Mediatel. Investors were told the companies were about to float on the stock market, guaranteeing them a substantial return on their money. Victims then received a contract note, detailing the number and price of shares they had agreed to purchase and information about how they should make their payment. Once the money had been transferred all communication ended. One man who was directly approached at Lords cricket ground ended up losing £1million, with fraudsters going as far as collecting cheques from him in person. DI Matt Bradford, from the City of London Police: “This gang went to great lengths to secure a deal, bombarding hundreds of elderly and vulnerable people with phone calls and even turning up at an England cricket match in the pursuit of peddling yet more of their worthless shares. “It took a forensic investigation to unravel the networks and systems that facilitated this fraud and expose the men responsible, with the result sending out a clear warning to anyone thinking of setting up their own boiler room fraud in the UK.” Rodley, from Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, was convicted of two counts of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering and was sentenced to seven years. Dennett, from Warrington, Cheshire, was convicted of money laundering and found not guilty of conspiracy to defraud was sentenced to 12 months. Silver, from Kent, was convicted of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering and was sentenced to four years. Willis, from Essex, was convicted of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering and was sentenced to five years. Corbett, from Camberley, Surrey, was convicted of money laundering and conspiracy to defraud and was sentenced to three years.

City of London Police is appealing for the public’s help after two men violently robbed a businessman – with detectives releasing the image of a man they would like to speak to. The victim was on Victoria Embankment close to Millennium Pier at around 2.45am on Sunday 10 June 2012 when two men, whose faces were concealed with scarves, punched him to the ground before making off with his mobile phone and wallet. Detectives have so far been unable to identify those responsible, and are now asking for the public’s help in identifying a man they believe may have information about the crime. The man detectives would like to speak to is pictured on the number 53 bus which travels between Orchard Road/ Griffin Road in Plumstead and Horse Guards Parade in Green Park. Investigating officer, DS Mark Simmons, said: “This was a violent robbery that left the victim shaken, all for the sake of a mobile phone and wallet. "I’d like to talk to the man pictured as he may have information useful to my investigation. I’d encourage anyone who recognises the man to contact the City of London Police or for the man to contact the force himself.” Anyone with information should call DS Mark Simmons on 020 7601 2147. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

On 11 July detectives from the force's Overseas Anti-Corruption Unit (OACU) charged Joan Tree, 60, and Sam Tree, 65, from Bedfordshire, Anthony Williamson, 57, from Hampshire, Gary Bolton, 46, from Kent and Simon Sherrard, 49, from North West London with various Fraud Act offences. All the accused were released on bail and are due to appear at City of London Magistrates on 18 July. The charges, following consultation with and advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, relate to a long term parallel investigation with Avon and Somerset Constabulary regarding the manufacture, promotion and sale of a range of fraudulent substance detector devices to foreign jurisdictions between 15 January 2007 and 12 July 2012. The details of the charges are: Gary Bolton faces two counts contrary to sections 2 and 7 of the Fraud Act 2006, relating to a device called ‘GT200’, which it is alleged was dishonestly represented as capable of detecting explosives. Samuel Tree, Joan Tree, and Simon Sherrard have each been charged with one count contrary to Section 7 of the Fraud Act 2006, involving an ‘Alpha 6’ substance detection device. Anthony Williamson faces the same charge in relation to an ‘XK9’ device. Simon Sherrard faces an additional count contrary to Section 6 of the Fraud Act 2006 for possession of an Alpha 6 substance detection device for use in a fraud. On July 11 Avon and Somerset Constabulary charged James McCormick with three counts contrary to section 6 and three counts contrary to section 7 of the Fraud Act 2006, relating to three devices, known as ‘ADE 101’, ‘ADE 650’ and ‘ADE 651’. He appears before City of London Magistrates on July 12.

Visit the Apple iStore to download the App today A new smartphone App, researched by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and developed jointly with the force, will be free for download in the Apple App Store before the Olympic Games begin.Designed to share real time information with the police and people in the City of London, the App offers a host of general day-to-day useful features about the City of London Police. Anyone installing it on their smartphone will get access to information on: Street level crime information, navigable maps showing police stations, London Underground transport links and many other points of interest Links to the latest City of London Police news and live @CityPolice twitter feed, plus the force’s website Useful information about the City of London Police, including its community policing teams and role as police service lead for tackling economic crime Information on how to be prepared in the event of an emergency There is also an additional key feature that will help the City of London Police to assess and monitor crowd density during large scale events – but it only works when people who have installed the App agree to share their location data. When the force ‘switches’ on this crowd sourcing capability during big events or gatherings, people with the App installed receive a message asking if they are prepared to opt into the service.People who agree will share their location. This information is used anonymously by the City of London Police to provide greater clarity on the movement of crowds during events and will allow the force to send relevant warning and informing messages to people through the App, on twitter and through the force website.City of London Police Assistant Commissioner Frank Armstrong says: ‘This App is packed with useful features and is also about helping to keep people safe. It is an excellent way for people to learn more about the force. It will also help the City of London Police to monitor crowds during large events and to keep people informed. This really is about police and the public working together for our mutual benefit.‘I have no doubt it will prove to be a valuable tool to guide our policing response during events, or emergencies – but we can only do this with the public’s trust and help.’The App has been developed as part of a four year European project called Socionical by three partners (German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI); ETH Zurich and LSE). Socionical is funded by the European Union and aims to help scientists and policy makers better understand how the applied use of new technology can benefit society. Prof. Eve Mitleton-Kelly, from the LSE, has been involved with the App since its inception. She said: ‘This is a tremendous breakthrough in the use of technology that can be of real and practical benefit to society. It was initially designed to be used for safe evacuation following a major incident, but has proved its worth in peaceful but crowded events by making them more enjoyable.”. Sgt Rebecca Walker, from the City of London Police’s Emergency Planning department, has been working closely with the (LSE) Socionical Project.She said: ‘We have taken into account people’s concern about legal data protection and privacy issues. Personal mobile numbers are not collected and the data is sent anonymously. We’re certainly not tracking individuals – we are purely assessing crowd density and movement. We want people to feel safe and comfortable when using the App in the City and to know they’re helping the police – and in turn that we can help them. The App also had to meet stringent EU regulations on privacy.’A version of the App for Android smartphones is currently being developed and will be introduced soon. Visit the Apple iStore to download the App today

City of London Police is appealing for witnesses following a stabbing on Gresham Street on Sunday 15 July 2012. At 5.40am police officers found a man suffering serious stab injuries on Wood Street. The officers were on Wood Street dealing with a large group of people congregated outside The Cape Bar. Investigating officers believe the man was attacked in a car on Gresham Street minutes before he was found on Wood Street. The victim was taken to a London hospital but has now been discharged (26 July 2012). Two men and a woman have been charged with committing grievous bodily harm with intent, they are: Jasmine Nassif, aged 21, of Alma Road, EN3 Riquel Peterson, aged 24, of Sutterton Street, N7 Ismail Francis, aged 22, of Hadrians Way, EN3 All three appeared at City of London Magistrates’ Court and were remanded in custody. Three men arrested on suspicion of affray on Sunday 15 July were released the same day without charge. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the stabbing. Anyone who was on Wood Street or Gresham Street around 5.40am on Sunday 15 July 2012, or has information that may assist police, should call the City of London Police 0207 601 2222. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

London has now become an Olympic City. Please avoid driving into central London, on and around the Olympic Route Network (ORN) and near Games venues. Roads within the North Circular and the South Circular will also be affected this week and especially the key routes leading into London. Congestion is already being seen on the A13, A2, A3, A12 and A40. Drivers using these roads should be prepared for significant delays and are advised to plan ahead, particularly to see whether journeys can be re-timed to avoid the morning and evening peak periods. Olympic Route Network (ORN) The ORN will come into operation and be enforced from 0600 Wednesday 25 July. This also includes 30 miles of ‘Games Lanes’ for the use of athletes, officials and the world’s media to get them to their events on time. Games Lanes will be operated flexibly and opened to regular traffic if there are times when they are less busy. A network of 150 Variable Message Signs along the route will advise motorists when Games Lanes are open to regular traffic. Hotspots for the first few days Thursday 26 July – Torch Relay passes through central London. Roads will be temporarily closed before it arrives and will be exceptionally busy. Friday 27 July – Last day of the Torch Relay and the Opening Ceremony. Please avoid the Stratford area after 1500 unless you have a ticket. Saturday 28 July/Sunday 29 July – Men’s and Women’s Olympic Cycling Road Race. Avoid driving in central and south west London. Monday 30 July – Greenwich Equestrian Cross–country event; avoid the area as it will be exceptionally busy and avoid using London Bridge station. Friday 3 August/Saturday 4 August – Athletics events start at the Olympic Stadium. The Stratford area will be exceptionally busy; you are advised to avoid traveling to Stratford on these dates. Road events As well as the large road events on 28 and 29 July mentioned above, there are also a number of other road events on the following dates: 31 July; 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 11 and 12 August and 9 September. Bus diversions and road closures will be in place. Games time travel information The Congestion Charging zone will be fully operational during the Games period and you will need to pay the charge in the normal way. Full details are available online: Twitter traffic updates, visit www.tfl.gov.uk/socialmediaCycling routes and maps, visit www.tfl.gov.uk/cyclingjourneyplannerGames travel hotspots by day, visit www.getaheadofthegames.com We are working to both deliver a great Games and to keep London moving. Thank you in advance for your help with this.

Today, Thursday 26 July, the Olympic Torch Relay arrived in the City of London. The torch visited St Paul’s Cathedral, the Museum of London and Guildhall, before leaving the City via Millennium Bridge. The Torch was met by the Lord Mayor of London at St Pauls Cathedral and at the Guildhall. Among the crowds were residents, City workers and visitors who wanted to see the Olympic Torch being carried through the City. More information can be found on twitter @citypolice View our Olympic crime prevention pages

A Walsall woman has been arrested by the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department on suspicion of making up to 50 bogus insurance claims over the last four years. The 30 year old is believed to have forged documentation and even impersonated a police officer in support of her claims on household contents and pet insurance policies. The arrest comes as a result of the latest of a series of visits to the town by IFED detectives since the specialist crime unit, based at the City of London Police, was launched at the beginning of 2012. In January a 36 year old woman was cautioned after submitting false crime reports for nine burglaries and a robbery that never actually happened. The fraudster claimed that computers, cash and jewellery were stolen from her home worth up to £30,000, but the insurance company became suspicious after inspecting the crime reports and referred the matter to the IFED. Detectives quickly confirmed the crime reports to be false and that the woman had not even contacted the police. In February a 31 year old man was arrested on suspicion of opening numerous home insurance policies with various companies in false names and addresses to make claims for expensive electrical items. And in April IFED executed search warrants at various locations in the Walsall area, arresting two men in their twenties and seizing a substantial amount of property. The investigation related to an accident claims company, who are involved in numerous motor insurance claims suspected to be contrived accidents. In total there were 17 such accidents reported with associated injury claims, vehicle recovery, vehicle hire and vehicle storage costs worth in excess of £300K. Head of IFED, DCI Dave Wood, said: “IFED has been making arrests across England and Wales, with Walsall revealing itself to be one of a number of national hot-spots, both for cases of suspected opportunistic and organised insurance fraud. “The operational activity in the town is evidence of how the climate is now changing, with a very clear message being sent out that insurance fraud in all its forms with be investigated, whoever, however and wherever it is committed.” IFED was set-up with funding from the insurance industry to combat an area of criminality valued at £3 billion per year, working out at £50 per policy holder. Between January and June the unit received 318 referrals from 43 different insurers, with the majority of these cases relating to personal motor and personal property fraud. In this time detectives have investigated more than £8 million of suspected insurance fraud and made 120 arrests. For more information on IFED go to: /CityPolice/Departments/ECD/IFED/

In one of the first prosecutions under the revised sex establishment legislation, City of London police and The Corporation of London have successfully fined three people for operating a lap-dancing venue without an appropriate Sex Entertainment Venue Licence. The City of London Police Licensing Team provided the necessary evidence needed in order for the prosecution to make its decision and give out a fine totalling £28,000 to the owner, manager and Premises Licence Holder of “Charlie’s Bar” in the City of London. The case provides an example of how robust enforcement measures using both Premises Licence Reviews and criminal prosecutions in parallel can effectively deal with problem venues. “Charlie’s” has operated as a wine bar and nightclub for many years. The Premises Licence had been reviewed on two previous occasions in 2008 and 2010 following incidents of crime and disorder and public nuisance. Since 2008 the venue had lawfully hosted lap‐dancing evenings on a weekly basis. However in 2010, following a consultation process, the City of London Corporation resolved to adopt the new legislation in relation to sex entertainment venues. The new provisions had full effect from 1 September 2011 and as a result any venue that wished to provide lap‐dancing would require an SEV licence. Importantly, this was subject to the “frequency exemption” which Charlie’s later flouted. On 26 July 2012 the three defendants pleaded guilty before the City of London Magistrates Court. When imposing fines totalling £28,000 the court observed that the offences were “wilful, knowing and for commercialgain”. Source: The Institute of Licensing

The Met’s Operation Podium urges you to follow this simple advice to protect you, your personal details, family and friends from being exploited by criminals. Tickets If you are buying an Olympic Games or Paralympic Games ticket: The only secure way to buy a ticket is from the London 2012 ticketing website, or your country’s National Olympic Committee or National Paralympic Committee. These details can be found on the official London 2012 ticketing website. Don’t buy a ticket from an unauthorised website or tout. It may be a scam and you risk not getting the ticket you wanted and paid for. Your credit card details may also be stolen for use in other crimes. If you aren’t sure whether the site is authorised to sell you a ticket, use the London 2012 website checker. If you buy a ticket you can no longer use, you can check whether it can be resold through the authorised ticket reseller you originally purchased the tickets from or via London 2012. There are three official providers for Games Breaks and Hospitality Packages: Thomas Cook Prestige Travel Jet Set Travel Travel packages will also be available for residents outside the UK through National Olympic Committees and National Paralympic Committees. Further details about official travel packages can be found on the London 2012 ticketing website. Always check the terms and conditions to see what you are being sold. There is specific legislation relating to the sale of tickets for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. If you find tickets for sale from any unauthorised source at anytime, don’t buy them. They are not genuine. Report it to London 2012 via brandprotection@london2012.com.

Organised Criminal Networks and their members who steal phones, wallets, cash and cards from Londoners and visitors to the Capital are being targeted by police and partners ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Operation Ursus is a multi-agency intervention to target pick-pockets, table-surfers, bag snatchers, burglars, illegal gamers and other criminals who target visitors to the capital. Handlers of stolen property who provide the means for thieves to turn their efforts into cash are also being targeted and anti-social behaviour in the areas of the operation will also be targeted. Although an extension of the ongoing work being done to minimise this kind of crime, Operation Ursus is timed to reduce the harm these criminal can do during a period when London will have hundreds of thousands more people in the city than normal. Today’s activity has begin with the execution of a series of warrant executions across London boroughs. Approx 400 officers will be involved in a range of activities during the course of the day. Chief Supt John Sutherland who is leading the operation said: “These criminals may be looking forward to the huge crowds in London this summer but we aim to ensure that they are unable to exploit people coming to our Capital for the greatest sporting spectacle on earth. “These crimes are committed by individuals but they are often being orchestrated by Organised Criminal Networks and the proceeds go on to fund lavish lifestyles and further criminality. We are targeting criminals at the top as well as the bottom of these networks. “You can help in our efforts by making sure you take steps to protect your valuables and making it as difficult as possible for them to steal them from you.” Ursus activity across London began on Monday June 25 and will continue in some areas until the weekend. Co-ordinated operations have been planned by ten boroughs as well as the Safer Transport Command, Operation Podium, the Metropolitan Special Constabulary, the National Mobile Phone Crime Unit London Crime Squad and our colleagues in other agencies such as British Transport Police, Territorial Policing, SOCA, City of London Police, Thames Valley Police and UK Borders Agency. Ursus is using tried and tested tactics to detect, deter and disrupt the criminals. These include: High-visibility policing, decoy operations, covert surveillance, CCTV, ANPR operations, dispersal zones and warrant execution. Because our experience shows us that many of those involved in this type of crime originate from overseas liaison with police from these nations forms part of Operation Ursus. UKBA are also taking part in the operation to assist with any immigration issues that arise.The MPS Safer Transport Command, funded by Transport for London, which has been running Project Spiderweb in partnership with British Transport Police and Transport for London to further crackdown on pick pocketing thefts on London’s buses and Tubes network in the past 12 months is now playing a major part in Operation Ursus.STC Commander Adrian Hanstock said: “The Safer Transport Command is working with its partners to ensure that London's transport system remains safe and secure for the travelling public. “We continuously carry out operations to disrupt criminals operating on London's transport network and as a result crime on the transport is at its lowest level for eight years. “In support of Operation Ursus we have now re-shaped our tactics and operational focus to target those who commit theft on the network. This will be a concentrated effort with our teams and partners across London to further reduce this crime.” How you can keep your possessions safe Always be aware of your surrounding and keep your valuables out of sight and your belongings with you. As well as attracting pickpockets, you could cause a security alert. In restaurants, bars or theatres keep you bags where you can see them, not on the floor or over the back of your chair. In crowded areas such as a bus or Tube train, try wearing them in front of you, not over your shoulder. Don’t’ keep all you valuables in one place and don’t carry large amounts of cash around with you. When withdrawing cash, don’t let others see your pin number. See how the criminals operate so you can protect yourself: http://www.btp.police.uk/pickpockets/

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has today published its thematic report ‘Policing in Austerity: One year on’ on the plans by all forces in England and Wales to meet the financial challenge of the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review. As part of this, the HMIC reports on the plans by City of London Police to identify savings, which the force has done through its City First change programme. The HMIC points out that City of London Police has a history of reducing cost while improving performance and although it has the lowest budget of all forces it has to make the largest reduction under the Comprehensive Spending Review. The report states the force has already put in place plans to meet the £17m savings that are needed - and may even exceed the amount required. The HMIC reports that to meet the savings, the force will cut its total workforce and that there will be reductions in police officer posts, though the proportion of officers assigned to frontline duties will increase by 2015. Assistant Commissioner Frank Armstrong said: ‘The figures set out in the HMIC report are solely representative to meet the financial savings we must find, but are still subject to fluctuation as we go through the process of consultation and implementing change. We have sought to identify savings in the region of £20m while continuing to provide a first class service. ‘The City of London Police has a unique and complex role to fulfil, not only protecting people and businesses in the Square Mile with all the specialist and local policing that requires, but also the force has a national remit in tackling economic crime. ‘While our percentage of the workforce on the frontline may appear lower than the national average, as the HMIC highlight, we are also reorganising to provide more officers on the streets, while exploring new ways to generate funding by working with the private sector, particularly around our national lead capability in dealing with economic crime.’ While HMIC says crime has increased fractionally in the City, crime levels are still the lowest of all 43 forces inspected and the last year-on-year Home Office audited figures showed a decrease of four per cent, which is slightly above the national average for the reduction in crime. Assistant Commissioner Armstrong added: ‘The City of London remains the safest place to live, work and visit.’ Policing in Austerity: One Year On (main report) City of London, Policing in Austerity: One Year On

A further two people have been charged with committing grievous bodily harm with intent following a stabbing on Gresham Street on Sunday 15 July 2012 – bringing the total number of people charged to five. Colin Mbagwu, aged 27, of Beechwood Road, N8, and Marlon Brown, aged 26, of Rivulet Road, N17, appeared at magistrates’ court earlier this month (August 2012) and were remanded into custody. Two other men and a woman remain on remand having appeared at court in July also charged with committing grievous bodily harm with intent, they are: Jasmine Nassif, aged 21, of Alma Road, EN3 Riquel Peterson, aged 24, of Sutterton Street, N7 Ismail Francis, aged 22, of Hadrians Ride, EN3 The five are due to appear at court on Thursday 13 September 2012.

A website showing the levels of crime and antisocial behaviour on the country’s streets has been launched at www.police.uk. By typing in a postcode, people can immediately see what crime and antisocial behaviour has happened in their area. A look at the City of London’s streets highlights the Square Mile’s low crime rate, as well as giving details about neighbourhood policing teams, Community Partnership meetings and the latest police news. The website launched on 1 February, and received more than 18 million hits an hour on its first day. The online map will allow residents across England and Wales to view crime in their area at the touch of a button, including statistics for burglary, robbery, violence, vehicle crime, other crime and anti-social behaviour. Publication of the new information forms a key part of the drive to make policing more accountable to the public. The new site was developed by the National Policing Improvement Agency on behalf of the Home Office and involved close collaboration between all 43 police forces in England and Wales. To see the new website, go to www.police.uk

The first networking session and Q&A hosted by Citycyclecop and a panel of representatives from the cycling industry has been hailed a success - having reached over 9,000 people. Although attendance at the event itself was not as high as hoped for, those who came joined in some lively debates with enthusiasm, discussing Advance Stop Line protocol and issues with other road users and pedestrians. For Citycyclecop himself, Sgt Antony Wolfson, the message was all about saving lives and cutting the number of collisions and fatalities involving cyclists. Said Antony: “I am delighted that, due to the generosity of the Willis Group plc, we were able to host our first Twitter event focussed around cycle safety. Embracing new media enables us to engage with our communities effectively.” The BBC’s Robert Elms – a keen cyclist – chaired the evening and it is hoped that there will be more opportunities for this type of event in the future. The City of London Police would like to extend its thanks to global insurance broker Willis for providing such a superb venue at the Willis Building, to Robert Elms and the panel for giving so generously of their time and expertise, and to all those who contributed to the event.

There have been almost 450 fewer crimes in the City in the last year compared to the previous 12 months. The new figures, (12 months to December 2010), include a notable reduction in violent crimes, a 38 per cent drop in criminal damage and 11 per cent fewer burglaries. The falling crime trend in the City is reflected in the quarterly national figures with the UK statistics showing that the risk of being a victim of crime remains at a 30-year low. City of London Police Commissioner Adrian Leppard welcomed the results of the latest survey: “Fewer crimes in the City, means fewer victims, and that is a good thing. These figures are a pleasing reward for the hard work of not just our police officers, but also our staff, City partners and the community as a whole. We all contribute and work together to make the City a safe place.” View the full Home Office report (External Link)

Witness appeal

Four arrests in suspected ‘bus crash for cash’ scam

Appeal following thefts from City bars

Jail for murder gang that City detectives helped identify through recovered firearm

Five fraudsters jailed for multi-million pound boiler room fraud

Force appeal after violent robbery

Five charged by Overseas Anti Corruption Unit (OACU)

Force launches new free smartphone App to share real time information

Appeal following Gresham Street stabbing

Olympics - July transport update

Olympic Torch Relay

IFED make further Midlands arrests

Lap-dancing breaches results in £28k fine

London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Tickets

Organised Criminal Networks targeted ahead of Olympic and Paralympic Games

Policing in Austerity: One Year On

Further two people charged following Gresham Street stabbing

Street-level crime information site launches

Citycylecop reaches over 9,000 people at Twitter event

Crime continues to fall in the City