With a number of demonstrations expected in London during the course of Saturday and Sunday, the Met is preparing for what is expected to be a busy weekend.
On both days, various protest groups are organising marches throughout Westminster and areas of Lambeth and Southwark. Given the numbers expected to attend these demonstrations, local traffic disruption is expected and road closures will be in place to keep London moving.
The Met have been in contact with the organisers of these events leading into the weekend, and will continue in this engagement effort. Officers will be working hard to keep people safe, minimise disruption to communities as well as deter any criminal activity. Officers are also reminding organisers of their duty to make sure their protest is compliant with the Step 3 restrictions in the Health Protection Regulations, which remain in force, and to explain the police’s zero tolerance approach to disorder or criminality.
Today, Friday 25 June, the Met have taken proactive action to prevent and reduce criminal disruption which we believe was intended for direction at media business locations over the weekend. Twelve people have been arrested at three locations in London. During the arrests, a number of items were seized by officers, including bamboo structures, lock-on equipment and other items which could be used to cause criminal damage and obstructions. Those arrested have been taken to police custody as enquiries continue.
Chief Inspector Joe Stokoe from the Met’s Public Order Command, said: “We know a number of people will be visiting London on Saturday and Sunday in order to protest. Our policing plan will be proportionate with officers engaging with those protesting to help them ensure any gathering is lawful, safe and doesn’t cause serious disruption to those Londoners who are out and enjoying their weekend. We urge anyone coming to take part in a protest in London over the weekend to do so in a peaceful and responsible manner. We will intervene as necessary to prevent disruptive or unruly behaviour or any action by individuals to intimidate or threaten members of the public, media or police officers.
“We believe certain protest groups are specifically intending to disrupt some business locations or potentially cause criminal damage to property. If this happens we will take further action as required to prevent offences being committed or deal with anyone committing criminal acts. Throughout the week officers have proactively spoken with those affected businesses, assuring them we will be running a highly visible policing operation and offering crime prevention advice in order to mitigate any risk to their property. Our relationship with these businesses is highly constructive and I would like to thank them for their support in working with us to deliver this weekend’s policing operation.
“Today, we took proactive action to prevent and reduce the likelihood of criminal activity during the course of the weekend. This action should further demonstrate our commitment and proactivity to preventing criminality.
“A number of highly specialist policing teams will remain on hand during the course of the weekend to deliver our policing plan. Our policing response will be dynamic and officers will act swiftly to any threat.”
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