01.03.12
Project Spiderweb cuts transport crime in London
Project Spiderweb has dramatically reduced theft onLondon’s transport network, new figures show. The scheme involves TfL, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and the British Transport Police (BTP) working together to reduce crime in the run up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In the first six months of the programme, from July 2011 to December 2011, reports of theft were down 14% compared to the same period the year before. Over 200 arrests for theft and handling offences were also carried out.
The collaboration is using a range of tactics to deter criminals, including high-vis patrols, surveillance, intelligence-led operations, covert policing tactics and engaging with the public. A new advertising campaign encourages passengers to take steps to ensure their safety.
On the underground, there are 9.2 crimes for every million passenger journeys, and approximately 13,000 CCTV cameras in place on the Tube, a number which is set to increase with future station modernisation.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “It’s now safer than ever to travel onLondon’s tubes, buses and rail services. With the eyes of the world on us this summer, visitors and Londoners alike can be reassured we will continue to do everything we can to bring crime down even further onLondon’s transport network.”
Steve Burton, director of community safety, enforcement and policing at TfL, said:
“Millions of people from all over the world will descend upon the capital this summer and the transport network will be busier than usual. Any crowded environment is a likely target for pickpockets. As the London 2012 Games approaches we will have visitors from all over the world using public transport and Project Spiderweb is crucial to ensuring that they can travel in a safe and low crime environment.”
BTP deputy chief constable Paul Crowther said: “Project Spiderweb is the first ever true partnership to tackle theft and it’s clearly paying off. We use intelligence information to analyse crime patterns to make sure our plain-clothes officers are at the right locations and the right times to arrest offenders.”
MPS assistant commissioner territorial policing Simon Byrne said: “We are determined thatLondon’s transport system remains a safe environment at all times but particularly during the Games when hundreds of thousands more passengers are expected to make use of it every day.”
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Image c. British Transport Police