New partnership aims to tackle crime in London’s West End
New West End Company, the organisation representing businesses in London’s Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street shopping districts, has launched a new scheme to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
The initiative will involve police, security and outreach workers working together in a collaborative approach to addressing issues in London’s retail heartland.
Teams involved in the scheme will include Metropolitan Police officers, Westminster Council city inspectors, homeless charity outreach workers and New West End Company’s private security team as they look to combat criminal activities and anti-social behaviour.
The initiative will also look to tackle begging, rough sleeping and busking. With the latest Crisis Homeless Monitor estimating that there are 8,000 people sleeping on the streets in the capital. the scheme will aim to make it easier for cases in the West End to be reported and will help the homeless to find a bed to sleep overnight and to access other services and long-term help.
New West End Company said the new approach to combining resources and intelligence will make action against crime more effective but will make shoppers feel reassured due to the large security presence on the streets.
Dee Corsi, chief operating officer at New West End Company, said: “For the first time ever, public services, private sector and charities have come together to provide a tailored, innovative service for London’s number one shopping and leisure destination.
“With the busy festive period approaching, ensuring the safety and comfort of the hundreds of thousands of Christmas shoppers in the West End is a top priority for New West End Company.
“That’s why we have driven this new collaborative approach which we hope will set the blueprint to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in London’s West End and throughout the capital.”
The multi-agency team will be piloting the scheme in 74 streets in the West End and Mayfair.
