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Here’s a quick update on personal theft and what’s being done locally to address it. Proactive Patrols Lead to Arrest for Handling Stolen Goods
As part of the Met Police Autumn Nights initiative, officers carrying out proactive patrols on Friday 5 November spotted a male acting suspiciously while in possession of a parcel and several other items.
The male was stopped and searched under Section 1 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984, a power that allows officers to search a person where they have reasonable grounds to suspect they may be carrying stolen or prohibited items.
During the search, officers found the male in possession of:
Two parcels addressed to other people
19 Lindt chocolate teddy bears
12 chocolate bars
One box of Lindt chocolates
The male was subsequently arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and taken into custody, where he was dealt with accordingly.
The parcels will now be reunited with their rightful owners.
This is a great example of proactive policing in action and the commitment of officers working to keep our communities safe.
Parcel Theft Prevention Advice
As we approach the busy festive period, parcel deliveries increase and unfortunately so do opportunities for thieves. To help protect your deliveries:
📦 Track parcels and arrange delivery for a time when someone will be home.
📦 Use secure delivery options such as parcel lockers, workplace deliveries, or nominated safe collection points.
📦 Install a video doorbell or home security camera where possible.
📦 Ask a trusted neighbour to take in parcels if you are not at home.
📦 Report any suspicious activity involving deliveries or parcels to police.
By working together and remaining vigilant, we can help reduce theft and keep our neighbourhoods safe.
 The Met is cracking down on street crime by putting 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. Having personal items or money stolen from you is an upsetting experience. If you have been a victim, it is important that you report these crimes to us as early as possible, to give us the best chance possible to investigate this fully. These reports help us build a picture of hot spot areas where we can spend more time, deterring and arresting thieves. Remember to: - Be aware of your surroundings – only take out valuables if you feel it’s safe.
- Do not leave valuable items unattended.
- Make sure any bags you have are not left unattended and are closed securely.
You can report an incident of theft online at https://www.met.police.uk. 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. | 
