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You raised shoplifting as a concern, so here’s a quick local update. Metropolitan Police and Partners Unite to Tackle Retail Crime in Operation Zoridon The Metropolitan Police Service, working alongside key partner agencies, has conducted Operation Zoridon, a coordinated multi-agency operation targeting retail theft and associated criminality across London. The operation brought together neighbourhood policing teams, specialist police units, local authorities, retailers, security partners and business representatives to address the significant impact that shop theft and repeat offending have on businesses, retail staff and local communities. In this mornings operation on Mollison Way Edgware, officers focused on identifying prolific offenders, disrupting criminal activity and disrupting activities associated with Handling Stolen Goods as well as Trading Standards offences. The operation also sought to strengthen partnerships with retailers, ensuring that offences are reported promptly and that evidence is secured to support effective enforcement action. Retail crime remains a priority for the Metropolitan Police. Shop theft not only affects businesses financially but can also have a significant impact on the wellbeing of shop workers who are often subjected to abuse, intimidation and violence while carrying out their duties. PS Dave Jones of Edgware SNT said: "Operation Zoridon demonstrates our commitment to tackling retail theft and supporting businesses across London. Retail crime is far from victimless. It impacts business owners, staff, customers and the wider community. Through close partnership working, intelligence-led policing and targeted enforcement activity, we are identifying offenders, disrupting criminal networks and sending a clear message that retail crime will not be tolerated. We are grateful to our partners and the business community for their continued support and cooperation." The operation also provided opportunities for officers and partners to engage directly with retailers, offering crime prevention advice and encouraging the reporting of all retail crime incidents. Information and intelligence gathered during the operation will continue to support ongoing investigations and future enforcement activity. The Metropolitan Police Service remains committed to working with communities, businesses and partner agencies to reduce crime, improve safety and ensure London's retail centres remain safe places to live, work and visit.
 The Met is cracking down on street crime, like shoplifting, people doing drugs and phone-snatching. We’ve put hundreds more officers on the frontlines of community crime-fighting teams, upping visible patrols in the right ‘hot spots’ so we can deter and catch criminals. We’re now arresting more than 1,000 extra criminals every month and seeing ‘neighbourhood crime’ down 14%. But we know there is more to do. That’s why we’re stepping up our use of technology, increasing our operations and working with retailers to make it less appealing for criminals to commit these crimes in the first place. If you notice anything suspicious or witness anyone shoplifting, please report it as soon as possible. These reports are invaluable in letting us build a picture of when and where shop lifters operate, meaning we can be in the right place at the right time to arrest those responsible. For more guidance, see our page on how to spot a shoplifter. We want your help to shape the future of policing across London. We are seeking your views on our new inclusion strategy to ensure that the Met is a police service that is trusted, representative and more effective at keeping London safe. You can have your say on our Inclusion Strategy consultation which runs until Thursday 26 November. |