Friday 23 May: Each month we share a snapshot of the community support, crime prevention and enforcement work in the West End.

HOLBA, The Met’s Town Centre Team and the West End Policing Team

Westminster City Council’s City Inspectors, Safer Business Network and HOLBA’s My Local Bobby, all work collaboratively with a commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all who work, visit and live in the West End.

Record Number of Arrests Since TCT Launch

Since the launch of the West End Town Centre Team (TCT) in September 2024, officers have made a staggering 403 arrests—primarily for theft, robbery, and violence-related offences. Recognition goes to PC Jake Shepherd from TCT A, who alone has made 89 arrests. An outstanding contribution to keeping the area safe.

My Local Bobby Nominated for Bravery Award

HOLBA’s My Local Bobby Security Team have been proudly nominated for the prestigious BCU Commander’s Commendation Award by the Met’s Sgt. Russell Easterbrook, in recognition of their outstanding bravery and swift action while safeguarding a critically injured male who had suffered a stab wound to the neck in Leicester Square. This nomination highlights the courage, professionalism, and rapid response of the team under extreme pressure, and acts as an example of the vital role they play in keeping the West End safe.

Operation Nightingale: Year 4 Approved Following Strong Results

Operation Nightingale, a Home Office-funded initiative to reduce crime in Leicester Square, has delivered impressive results after three years of dedicated work. Led by PS Russell Easterbrook, the programme has used over £200,000 in overtime funding for officer patrols during peak times. The operation has seen a:

• 41% decrease in robbery,
• 39% decrease in sexual offences, and
• 63% decrease in theft.

While there has been an increase in violence against the person offences, these figures demonstrate the continued need for visible policing—and the Home Office has now confirmed funding for a fourth year.

Live Facial Recognition Operation at Oxford Circus

On Thursday 24 April, TCT B and the West End Policing Team 1 teamed up with MPS Live Facial Recognition (LFR) and the Safer Business Network for an LFR deployment in Oxford Circus. The results:

• 8 suspects arrested for 16 offences, including failure to appear at court, theft, robbery, and shoplifting.
• One individual was found with £200 in stolen clothing and was charged with theft.

Catherine Lewin from Emergency Services Times joined the team and highlighted the professionalism and dedication of officers. Her full article: “10 things to know about Live Facial Recognition technology”.

Operation Spoke: E-Bike Crime Crackdown

TCT C led a successful e-bike enforcement operation at Cambridge Circus, targeting the use of electric bikes in phone thefts and related criminality. The outcomes included:

• 4 e-bikes seized,
• 4 no-insurance reports,
• 2 arrests, and
• 1 intelligence report filed.

Supporting the Night-Time Economy: Listening to Local Venues

In April, HOLBA hosted a night-time walkaround with key partners including the Met Police, Safer Business Network, and My Local Bobby, to visit businesses in Leicester Square and surrounding areas. HOLBA discussed with venue managers the challenges they face, including crime hotspots, licensing pressures, and public safety, exploring how our crime partnerships can help with initiatives like radio networks and CCTV sharing.

We thank all our partners and frontline officers for their dedication and continued efforts to protect the West End.

HOLBA would like to make a special mention of one of the dedicated My Local Bobby team who was viciously attacked inside Leicester Square tube station in April. Having caused serious injury, the suspect was arrested by British Transport Police and charged and remanded to court for GBH with intent, pending a trial at the Old Bailey. We wish him a speedy recovery.