Agenda item

Chief Inspector, Communities and Partnerships, City of London Police.

 Members received a report of the Commissioner, City of London Police, which provided an updated on the latest tactic to address begging within the City of London, known as Operation Luscombe. 

During the discussion and questions, the following points were noted:

• The success of this ‘soft intervention’ programme, which sought to assist those in genuine need and only instigate criminal proceedings to repeat offenders in organised ‘gangs’.  Members noted that, whilst such gangs did not operate on a large scale, the City was considered lucrative and City workers were known for their generosity.  Members acknowledged the importance of channelling this for best impact.   The Officer advised that begging intelligence had improved considerably since June and suggested it was in decline. 

• The Officer accepted that the media aspects of Operation Luscombe had been somewhat lacking and this would be remedied at the next review meeting.    The Police encouraged the public to ‘tweet’ information about begging hotspots and Members noted the recent success at Bishopsgate.  Members asked to be kept informed, so they could advise constituents as to the best course of action, and suggested this be the subject of a Members’ Breakfast Briefing.

• The Police Officer commended the generosity of local businesses; i.e. Pret, McDonalds and Marks and Spencer who had provided breakfasts at the hubs.  The Officer also accepted that some store staff might lack knowledge/confidence when approaching and offering assistance.  Members suggested writing to Supermarket Head Offices to offer advice and support.

• British Transport Police would be offering more intervention in the Liverpool Street area and a Manager had visited one of the hubs.

• Members suggested that the Vagrancy Act be challenged and that a member of the Remembrancers’ Team be invited to attend the Awayday. 

• Members were very keen for this work to remain on the Police’s ‘business as usual’ agenda and asked for an update on the implementation of recommendations.

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.