Since
the inception of Team London Bridge in 2006, our priority has always been to
deliver a safe, secure and resilient environment for our business
community. Building on a highly successful initiative that funds a dedicated
Met Police officer (PC Nick Morant) for our Business Improvement District, we
are therefore delighted to announce that last month we also began a similar
arrangement with the British Transport Police (BTP).
The
reinventing of London Bridge station has been incredible. However, with the 41
retailers already open inside the station due to double to 82 by summer 2019,
crime affecting those businesses had unfortunately begun to increase and the
existing contingent of BTP officers required further support. Following
discussions with the Station Commander, we agreed to fund an additional,
specialised officer who would focus entirely on issues such as shoplifting,
fraud and violence towards staff within the station footprint.
Having
spent sixteen years in private security, including stints at Debenhams and Harrods prior to joining BTP, PC Lee Noble proved the ideal candidate and began work on
the 2nd December. He has already had a significant impact, arresting
five prolific shoplifters in as many weeks and introducing crime prevention
initiatives such as staff training and enhanced intelligence sharing.
Inspector
Stacey Turner, London Bridge Station Commander said of the initiative:
“This offers an excellent platform to enhance
partnership working and build upon a place-based policing approach. I would
like to thank Team London Bridge for offering us this exciting opportunity. Lee
has hit the ground running and has developed a good working relationship with
his counterpart Nick. The duo are inspiring a renewed confidence in the police
service and reassurance to the businesses and their staff.”
PCs
Noble (left) and Morant (right) will be working in close partnership and –
alongside our other initiatives of bicycle & property marking, subsidised
membership to the BCRP radio network, the Southwark Security & Resilience
Forum and various training events – are an integral part of keeping our
community safe, both inside the station and out.
Welcome
to PC Noble from our business community. Keep up the good work!