Safety and Security

As always, we are in touch with the Police and Safer West End regularly, and monitoring crime trends during these unprecedented times. So, do get in touch with anything of note or concern.

The Police ask that if you have any concerns regarding crime, especially coronavirus-related hate crime, that you contact PartnershipandPreventionTeam@met.police.uk

Closed Premises – The Metropolitan Police have provided the following advice:

• Test your alarm, ensure it is monitored and fully operational
• Identify any vulnerable areas. Rectify these. Ensure security gates, bollards and fire exit doors have been secured prior to closure of the premises.
• Make sure you have list of key holders who can be contacted in times of emergency.
• Consider moving high value items into secured stockrooms and out of view.
• Ensure keys to the premises or other venues are not left inside and are instead with dedicated key holders.
• Consider timer switches or ensure sufficient lighting is left on at the premises/surrounding area.
• Ensure there are no combustible materials left in the proximity of the building such as packaging – consider the risk of arson.
• Review your CCTV to confirm it is operational, provides good quality images and is positioned to cover as much of the stores public and private areas. You may wish to consider a mobile phone app that allows connectivity and a vocal capacity to engage with any intruder.
• Ensure that no cash is retained on the premises overnight (leave a note on the door stating that no cash or valuables are kept overnight) or store then in a security accredited safe bolted to the floor.
• Please also be sure to inform your insurer and your waste collection provider so that they can focus resources where needed.

Anti-Social Behaviour – The Metropolitan Police have identified the potential risk of increased Anti-Social Behaviour in and around businesses of all types. Below is some basic guidance and advice.

• If your staff fall victim to an assault or witness violence in your premises.
• Try to remain calm and think of safety: yours, your customers and colleagues safety is paramount. If the perpetrator has left the premises, consider recording a description and reporting this to police as soon as possible.
• Trust your instincts and maximise distance between yourself, customers, colleagues and any aggressive parties.
• Ensure corporate conflict and exit contingency plans are adhered to.
• Use hold up/ panic alarms if it is appropriate to do so. If there is a hold-up alarm installed use it, but only when safe to do so.
• Consider the use of body worn video technology to capture evidence and positively impact the behaviour of those involved in violence on your premises.

Find out more about how we are supporting the community through the Coronavirus here.