Police launch 10-week crackdown on South Bank summer crime surge

Operation Holles began on Monday and brings together Metropolitan Police officers from Lambeth, Westminster and Southwark as well as the Met's transport and roads policing command and the British Transport Police.

As the number of visitors to the South Bank goes up in the summer, so does the number of reported crimes.

Police say that reports of pick-pocketing, begging, snatch robberies, illegal trading, gambling and cycle thefts on the South Bank are 50 per cent higher in the months from June to September compared to the rest of the year.

During the 10-week operation officers will be providing personal safety and crime prevention advice to visitors and residents.

They will also be conducting high visibility and plain clothes patrols.

"We are absolutely determined to drive down criminal activity in Lambeth," said Chief Superintendent Richard Wood, Lambeth borough commander.

"Our priority is to ensure London's streets are safe for all. It is our duty to target offenders who break the law or cause intimidation to passing members of the public.

"Most criminals are opportunistic. Knowing how and where criminals who commit these crimes operate will help you avoid falling victim to them. Thieves frequently operate, around bus and tube stations, in overcrowded areas, especially at rush hour, and at cash points.

"We are committed to working with our partners to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime to ensure the public are safe and make our borough great."

Ted Inman, chief executive of the South Bank Employers' Group, said: "We are delighted that there is a strong determination on the part of Metropolitan Police, in collaboration with all South Bank stakeholders, to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour in the South Bank for the benefit of all the millions who use the area, tourists, employees, commuters and residents alike."