Robbery and ASB update

I last posted a Met Engage update in August when we began our targeted policing operation to tackle robbery and anti-social behaviour in Purley, following a significant increase in offences during June and July.
 

Throughout August, the team worked extended 12-hour shifts, often operating late into the evening to provide additional reassurance and enforcement activity across Purley and Woodcote ward.  
 

During the month, the team arrested six offenders for offences including robbery and drug possession. The team also conducted more than 30 stop and searches, gathered a significant amount of intelligence, and used local knowledge to identify outstanding robbery suspects, directly supporting further arrests by Croydon's robbery squad. Weapons sweeps resulted in the recovery of more than 80 wraps of Class A drugs.  
 

Importantly, August saw only one reported robbery (which did not actually occur on the street) and one reported attempted street robbery.  Although two offences too many, this is a really positive decrease in robbery offences in the two months prior.  

Unfortunately, this week we have experienced an increase in robbery offences involving school-aged children in the ward. We understand that this will cause concern within the community, and we have continued with both overt and covert patrols in the area. As a result, five individuals have been arrested in connection with three separate incidents. Two of the suspects were detained after just committing an offence by PC Pitt and PCSO Molotkova.  They currently remain in Police custody.
 

We continue to work with our partners to tackle robbery and safeguard young people. While there is still work to do, we are in a significantly stronger position than we were during June and July, and we remain committed to maintaining this progress and keeping our communities safe.
 

It remains very unlikely you will be a victim of a robbery in Purley.  We advise residents and young people to remain aware of their surroundings, keep mobile phones and valuables out of sight where possible, stick to busy and well-lit routes, and avoid becoming distracted while walking. If threatened, prioritise your safety and report incidents to police as soon as possible.  
 

Mobile phones are often the target of robberies.  Please see further information how you can protect you mobile phones here: https://www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/personal-safety-how-to-stay-safe/mobile-phone-advice/

If you run a youth group and wish for us to attend and give a presentation to young people around crime prevention, please get in touch.