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/
↧