In a significant breakthrough against organized criminal gangs, the Metropolitan Police have reported a 75% reduction in “follow-off” crimes in three targeted areas of London.
This announcement follows the successful implementation of the Bank Safe project, launched in 2022, to combat the alarming rise of thefts targeting vulnerable individuals as they leave banks with cash.
The “follow-off” crime method involves thieves loitering inside bank premises to identify potential victims. Once a target is selected, accomplices outside the bank pickpocket the unsuspecting individual. The operation has been particularly prevalent in Ealing, west London, and Stratford and Ilford, east London.
Sgt. David James, who oversees the Bank Safe project, described distraction theft as a deeply personal crime with potentially life-changing consequences for its victims. “In most cases, victims do not know they have been targeted and tend to blame themselves for losing their hard-earned cash,” he said.
A notable case highlighted by the Metropolitan Police occurred in Orpington, south-east London, in 2021. An elderly man was followed from a bank, and as he boarded a bus, the thief exploited a moment of distraction to steal his money.
This incident, captured on CCTV, led to the arrest and subsequent sentencing of the perpetrator to 4.5 years in prison.
The success of the Bank Safe project has been attributed to a multifaceted approach involving heightened awareness campaigns, increased police patrols, and detailed CCTV investigations.
Local police officers have been conducting targeted patrols in theft-prone areas, while awareness-raising initiatives inform bank customers and local communities about the tactics employed by thieves. CCTV footage is meticulously reviewed to identify and apprehend repeat offenders.
Sgt. James emphasized that the project is not just about reducing crime but also about restoring confidence and a sense of security among bank customers. “The operation would help get criminal gangs off London’s streets,” he added.
The Bank Safe initiative is a collaborative effort involving several key partners, including the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU), finance industry representatives, and Age UK. The DCPCU, a joint team comprising Met and City of London Police officers, has played a pivotal role in the project’s success.
Catriona Still, fraud prevention chief at the DCPCU, revealed that their team has trained over 400 branch employees in high-risk areas across the UK in the past year.
“The DCPCU has been working hard to combat branch follow-off crime and has trained over 400 branch employees in high-risk areas across the UK in the past 12 months alone,” she said. The collaborative efforts between the DCPCU and the Met have been instrumental in preventing significant cash losses for bank customers.
Statistics indicate that 66% of follow-off crime victims are aged over 60. John McGeachy from Age UK London highlighted that older individuals are more likely to bank in person, making them prime targets for these insidious crimes.
“It’s particularly insidious to target them in this way as they leave the bank with their cash,” he said. McGeachy praised the initiative, noting that being a victim of such crimes can severely impact a person’s confidence and mental health.
He expressed optimism that continued efforts would enable people to bank safely without fear of being targeted. The Metropolitan Police’s Bank Safe project demonstrates a promising stride towards safeguarding vulnerable individuals and dismantling organized criminal activities in London, ensuring a safer banking environment for all.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
