As the nights draw in and the days become shorter the Metropolitan Police will launch their annual Operation Autumn Nights campaign. This time of year is, from a policing perspective, the perfect storm – as the clocks go back and more people are out and about around Halloween and Bonfire Night. This is the time of year when crime rates typically increase, and communities feel vulnerable as a result of uninvited trick or treating, firework misuse and large crowds of people.

This year Autumn Nights will run from Friday 20 October through to Monday 6 November 2023. Local police teams will be increasing their presence through targeted patrols, focusing on night time patrols to reasasure the residential and business community. Deployments will be based on anti-social behaviour and crime hot spots. The Council will also step up checks on firework sales, to ensure only authorised distributors are offering fireworks for sale.

Previous Autumn Nights campaigns have proven effective in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, alongside increased enagagement with the community.

If your business needs additional support during this period, please get in touch with the Marble Arch Street Team. They patrol Monday-Thursday from 8am-10pm and Friday-Saturday from 8am-midnight. Call or WhatsApp them on 07825 750 777/07852 566 122.

Remember, if a crime is in progress or in an emergency, please call 999. To report a crime that has already taken place please call 101.