The Metropolitan Police this week has begun its annual campaign against anti-social behaviour and associated criminality, Autumn Nights.
As the police say, violence and anti-social behaviour tend to increase at this time of year when the nights draw in earlier. Hence what the Met calls a range of operational activity over three weeks, to Sunday, November 8, past Bonfire Night.
Officers say they will target the most dangerous offenders, maximise diversion opportunities and increase their presence through targeted patrols. A number of intelligence-led automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) operations will also catch and arrest violent offenders on the move around the capital. For tips and advice to protect yourself from personal robbery, visit: https://www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/personal-robbery/.
If you’ve witnessed anti-social behaviour of any kind in London, report it to the Met using an online tool: https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-b/report-antisocial-behaviour/.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, events for Halloween and Bonfire Night are not allowed. The Met says that additional patrols across London will see officers engage with the public and, where necessary, take enforcement action against those who fail to abide by government restrictions.
Commander Jane Connors said: “This year has been challenging for the public and we are maximising on our priority of tackling violent crime during our annual Autumn Nights campaign. A cadre of officers from across the Met have planned various elements to prevent violence and anti-social behaviour; divert individuals away from becoming involved in such crimes; engage with our communities and carry out enforcement on the most dangerous offenders.
“For some time now, our top priority has been to decrease violence and this remains the case. We are working around the clock to target those causing the most harm to our communities. We believe it is important to do our bit to divert people at risk of making the wrong choices and going down the wrong path in life. A huge aspect of this seasonal activity will complement existing work to divert and support individuals away from criminality.
“We hope our communities can find alternative ways to enjoy the autumn festivities. We must remember that we are in the middle of a pandemic and we will continue to step in where necessary.”
Meanwhile, an injunction order at Leeds County Court, means Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police can act against any individual or group that is found to be using fireworks in an anti-social or threatening manner. The injunction will be in place for an initial period to November 30. Those who do not obey the regulations may be held in contempt of court. The order forbids also ‘abusive words or gestures to, threaten or obstruct or interfere with in any way any emergency worker’, defined as police, fire, ambulance, Leeds council and NHS workers; that is, not including security officers.
Youths and men were due in court earlier this month arising from such disorder last November 5 in the Harehills Road area of Leeds when roads were barricaded, bins set alight, and damage was caused to police vehicles, buses and cars, street furniture and buildings.
Photo by Mark Rowe; Trafalgar Square, dusk.
