Looting update

Looting and violence continued to escalate last night, with incidents spreading beyond London. The copycat element may, we hope not, cause the violence to spread. In which case the advice below should be of use to all. Either way it is obvious that the personal safety of all comes first.

The Metropolitan Police have an advisory page on "Disorder" here http://content.met.police.uk/News/Disorder-updates-and-advice/1260269372559/1257246741786

They have also issued this general advice to retailers:

1. Where possible retail premises should be suitably staffed with security guards
2. Ensure staff report any suspicious activity to security and/or police
3. Consider regular checks of the building and surrounding area
4. Identify areas that are vulnerable to forced entry
5. Make sure all service doors are kept locked and secure when not in use 
6. Ensure your CCTV system fully operational
7. In case of an emergency is there a record of the names of keyholders who can be contacted
8. Consider removing high value goods from display windows overnight
9. Consider keeping as little cash as possible on the premises
10. Ensure that your premises are secure and if fitted your alarm systems are fully operational
11. In the event of a non emergency, call the police on non emergency number 101
10. In the event of an emergency, call the emergency number 999
11. If you have any information you wish to provide to police anonymously you can contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Operation Withern is investigating the disorder and violence in parts of London over the weekend. An incident room has been set up. Anyone with information should call the major investigation team on 020 8345 4142.

You may also wish to consider subscribing to the official police messaging system ‘Neighbourhood Link’. To subscribe to this service please visit: www.neighbourhoodlink.met.police.uk  

Thames Valley Police have issued this advice. Crime reduction advice for businesses has been placed on their website: http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/newsevents/newsevents-pressreleases/newsevents-pressreleases-item.htm?id=186379

• Ensure staff report any suspicious activity to security officials and police
• Consider regular checks of the building and surrounding areas. Identify any areas that are vulnerable and remove loose objects that could be used as missiles
• Remove refuse from around your premises which could pose an increased fire risk
• Make sure all service doors are kept locked and secure when not in use
• Ensure your CCTV system is fully operational
• Consider removing high value goods from display windows
• Keep as little cash as possible on the premises
• Where possible retail premises should be suitably staffed with security guards
• Landlords need to ensure that residents living above commercial premises are aware of risks and ensure that all fire alarms, smoke alarms and fire escapes are fully functional
• Does your alarm company have the latest key holder information? If not call them now
• Does your business have an emergency business plan? Consider briefing your staff about what they should do if an incident occurs at or outside your premises
• Petrol stations should avoid selling petrol in small containers
• In the event of an emergency call 999

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