Sent: 21 July 2007 02:46
A high-profile crackdown on street crime was under way today as police launched a seven-week campaign.
Operation Tiffanie targets crime and anti-social behaviour in central London over the summer holidays, in particular "hugger muggers" who befriend revellers as they leave clubs or pubs in order to steal their belongings.
The first phase of the operation, which began last night with support from Westminster City Council, involves 50 extra police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in high-visibility policing to advise and reassure people of the threats in night-spots around Soho, and to deter criminals.
Commander Steve Allen, head of the Met Police in Westminster, said: "We are expecting millions of people to visit the West End during the summer.
"I would like to warn anyone who is thinking about travelling into the West End to commit crime to think again. Not only will there be more police and community safety officers out on the streets but we will be deploying undercover officers to target offenders in the area."
Information from the CCTV centre in Westminster will also be passed on to officers on the streets so they can respond quickly to incidents.
Last year's Operation Vardar led to 312 arrests over the same school holiday period for offences including pickpocketing, robbery, drug supply and possession, possessing offensive weapons and public order.
The difference this year is the emergence of "hugger muggings", which are mainly non-violent, according to Mr Allen.
"In the summer, people wear the types of clothing which are light and easy to steal from," he said.
He added: "The majority of victims are men on their own. A consequence of the safety campaigns we have done over the last few years is that it is rare to see a woman on her own at night."
Operation Tiffanie is receiving help from West End Central officers, the Territorial Support Group, Westminster Task Force, the dogs unit and Transport Command.
Detective Inspector Henry Lindsley, from West End Central police station, said: "It is clear that offenders identify victims who they believe will be easy to steal from.
"In the case of so-called hugger muggers, they will target people who have perhaps had a drink and have their property on show, either sticking out of a pocket or in an open bag. The message is simple: if you are approached by a stranger who tries to hug you, dance with you or start up a conversation, they may well be trying to steal from you.
"Pickpockets are opportunists. Don't be their opportunity: keep your property safe and out of reach."
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