New West End Company hosted Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker MP on a visit to London’s West End.
The body that provides services for the shopping area reports that the visit was to witness first hand how the district is reducing crime and creating a safer environment for the 200 million annual visitors.
The minister was joined on a site tour by Chairman of the Bond Street and Regent Street Associations, members of New West End Company’s Crime Intelligence Partnership Team along with our Shop West End Red Caps, who work with the Metropolitan Police on what the body terms low level street crime and anti-social behaviour issues.
New West End Company shared details of the success to date of Operation Holly, the Marylebone Police led initiative operating from November 26 to January 6 to combat bag and mobile phone thefts, pick pocketing, retail crime, robbery and other offences in the Oxford Street area during the peak Christmas season.
Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker MP said: “I was interested to learn about the New West End Company’s Red Caps and the work they do in the area to support retailers, shoppers and the police in the fight against crime. Operation Holly has been a great success this Christmas, with nearly 200 arrests so far and I would like to thank all the police officers who have worked so hard to make it happen. New West End Company has played an integral part and I hope they continue to use their links with the police to help reduce crime still further. The message from me is clear – the West End continues to be a safe area to shop, with more police, improving CCTV and the uniformed presence of the Red Caps.”
The Home Office minister also took the opportunity to discuss the New West End Company’s plans to develop the areas increased CCTV coverage, installing provision in Bond Street.
What they say
Tim Risk, Chairman of the Bond Street Association and Retailer Director of Tiffany’s said: “Businesses and shoppers will benefit from the additional CCTV on Bond Street. It is what we have wanted for a long time and will offer re-assurance to shoppers that we are taking crime very seriously. The visit by the Minister shows the need to take a co-ordinated approach and work with our partners, including the New West End Company, to maintain low levels of crime for the benefit of our staff and our shoppers.”
And Peter Doherty Chairman of the Oxford Street Association and Store Director of House of Fraser Oxford Street added: “The excellent results from Operation Holly send out a strong message to would-be criminals not to come near Oxford Street this Christmas. I am pleased to see the Minister take the time to come and support our anti-crime message.”
