Of these, the most common offences were: burglary in other buildings (1,101), criminal damage to a motor vehicle (399) and theft of personal property (310). There were 162 reports of arson.
In response to the disorder a major investigation team was launched by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and codenamed Operation Withern.
Operation Withern is an MPS-wide effort led by officers from the Specialist Crime Directorate (SCD) working together with detectives, uniformed officers and police staff from across the MPS.
While the SCD retains responsibility for some major incidents seen during the disorder, local Borough police has been focused on pursuing those responsible for the disorder seen in their area.
Commander Simon Foy commented: “We continue to work closely with London’s communities and are extremely grateful for their invaluable assistance. With their help we have brought a significant number of people to justice.”
Foy continued: “The scale of the task the Met’s officers face is not to be underestimated. 22 of London’s 32 Boroughs were affected by the disorder, and there are many more people who must answer for their actions.”
To this end, Commander Foy stressed: “I urge anyone who has any information about the violence and disorder that occurred across London to contact the Operation Withern Major Investigation Team on 020 8345 4142. Alternatively, anyone can report crime and provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
20,000 hours of CCTV footage
The Metropolitan Police Service estimates that it currently has around 20,000 hours of CCTV footage to view, although this figure is likely to increase as further material is gathered from not just CCTV but also the public and other sources.
Forensic and crime scene examiners have been working on more than 1,100 crime scenes and more than 300 forensic submissions have already been made to labs.
The MPS is working closely with the CPS to ensure that cases are processed quickly. A large number of people have appeared in court and, while some have already been convicted and received prison sentences, many cases have been remanded to Crown Court.
To date, 1,838 people have been arrested in connection with the disorder (including 396 juveniles). Of that number, 1,049 people have been charged in connection with the disorder. That figure includes 218 juveniles.
Breakdown of crime figures
The crime figures may be broken down as follows: arson (162 cases), assault with Injury (80), burglary in a dwelling (48), burglary in other buildings (1,101), robbery of business property (102), common assault (32), criminal damage to a dwelling (70), criminal damage to motor vehicles (399), criminl damage to buildings (280), drug trafficking (4), going equipped (8), handling stolen goods (95), harassment (43), motor vehicle interference and tampering (4), murder (2), offensive weapons (39), other criminal damage (90), other fraud and forgery (1), other notifiable (110), other theft (45), other violence (49), robbery of personal property (310), picking pockets, etc (3), possession of drugs (58), serious wounding (48), snatches (36), theft from motor vehicles (42), theft from shops (17), theft/taking of motor vehicles (10), theft/taking of pedal cycles (8).
The grand total of that little lot? 3,296 offences.
As of 11.30 this morning, the Met has now arrested 1,894 people (adult: 1,483, juveniles: 411) in connection with disorder and looting in London.
Of these, 1,085 (adult: 855, juveniles: 230) have now been charged.
Acting Commissioner thanks Londoners
Acting Commissioner Tim Godwin has written an open letter of thanks to Londoners for their support of the Metropolitan Police Service following the recent disorder. This is what he had to say…
Dear Londoners
I want to thank all of you who have shown such immense support for the police in recent days.
Individual officers have proudly told me stories of being offered cups of tea, meals, rest facilities or being applauded as they walk down the street. It is a testament to the close relationship that has been built up between the police and the people of London that even in the areas worst affected you are supporting us.
Londoners have come together to help us identify the looters and violent people that damaged our city. This has enabled us to charge over 1,000 offenders with crimes committed during the disorder, and we will continue to pursue the remaining offenders relentlessly.
We have seen record numbers of people applying to be police volunteers and Special Constables in the last week. Londoners have been standing alongside us at this time of challenge.
London was faced with unprecedented violence and criminality, and by flooding the streets with officers and using robust policing, we ended the vast majority of the disorder within a few days. Undoubtedly, the overwhelming support you have given us and the outstanding way in which Londoners have worked together has helped the capital recover so quickly.
I’ve said many times that I am so proud of the men and women of the Met, and never more so than now, but I am also proud of the way in which our city has responded, supported each other and gets on with business.
Around the clock your officers are on your streets and in your communities: here for London, working to keep you safe.
Thank you for your continued support.
