More police on the streets amid warnings of increased violence when lockdown is eased
Scotland Yard is to flood the streets with more officers in a bid to tackle a feared surge in violent crime as lockdown eases.
Extra officers have already been deployed following a spate of stabbings in the capital in recent weeks, but more resources are to be rolled out as coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
Violent crime fell last year as a result of fewer people being on the streets during lockdown.
But there are concerns that the easing of restrictions in the coming weeks could see a return to high levels of violence and knife crime.
There have already been 14 homicides in London this year with four teenagers stabbed to death in recent weeks.
Scotland Yard has responded to the surge in violence by sending more officers out on the beat in problem areas.
They have been carrying out weapon sweeps in public spaces, deploying specialist drug detection dogs and using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to target suspects.
But Met chiefs have vowed to deploy more resources as London moves out of lockdown and organised criminals seek to recoup their losses over the last year.
There are also fears that lockdown has fuelled tensions between rival gangs who have been using social media to trade insults with one another.
Commander Jane Connors, the Met’s Violence Lead, said the force was prepared to take on violent criminals as lockdown was eased.
She said: “We are ready and prepared to deal with any potential violence that may become apparent as the lockdown restrictions ease.
“This operational activity already places us on the front foot to prevent any emerging incidents of violence.
“This surge activity gives officers the ability to assess intelligence and identify certain areas where there is a risk for these crimes to occur.
“Officers will then be deployed to these locations to focus on deterring these crimes and making communities feel safer.
“Our presence will be noticed, you will see officers on the streets carrying out a range of activity.
"This will also include the prevention of crime with reassuring the public at the forefront of officers' minds whilst carrying out their duties. We want to hear from anyone who may have information that can protect our communities.”
