St James's Ward Policing Team Updates

May looks set to be a busy one with several events - including next week’s local elections and upcoming large demonstrations – requiring additional presence from local policing teams. 

The majority of our political events in Westminster are peaceful, and as most are pre-planned, routes are advertised ahead of time and significant police resources are dedicated to the events to ensure the safety of all involved. We want to reassure you all that anyone engaging in illegal activity or breach of the peace will be dealt with swiftly and with the full force of the law.  

More from the St James’s Team

A Closure Order was granted on a property on the Peabody Estate, Old Pye Street this week following ongoing antisocial behaviour and drugs offences committed by the tenant. This followed weeks of work gathering statements and evidence from partners and residents. Thank you to all for the hard work that went into this and for ensuring a great result for locals. 

The team assisted Devon and Cornwall Police on a money laundering search warrant on our patch last week. An arrest was made and one suspect was released under investigation for drugs and other related offences. 

Following the concerning events in Golders Green last week we continue to support our Jewish communities with reassurance visits and additional patrols around our City’s synagogues and other cultural centres. We encourage anyone witnessing suspicious behaviour to call us immediately on 999. 

On Thursday PC Moore joined West End officers at the Admiral Duncan Pub in Soho where locals remembered victims of the terrible homophobic nail bomb attack in 1999.

Finally - we had a new arrival on the ward recently. Statue thought to have been erected by secretive artist Banksy appeared in Waterloo Place last week. As per the BBC News website:

‘Westminster City Council has told the BBC it did not grant permission, as it was not given advance warning that Banksy's team was planning this installation.

A spokesperson said: "We're excited to see Banksy's latest sculpture in Westminster, making a striking addition to the city's vibrant public art scene."’ It’s certainly drawn the crowds as it becomes our newest attraction in St James’s Ward.

We hope you all stay safe this May.

If you need to contact us:

Call 999 in an emergency or 101 for updates and to report antisocial behaviour.

Visit Met.Police.uk to make a report online.

Contact your policing team and look our for upcoming events on Met Engage.