Business Crime Team in June

Throughout June the BID worked closely with Parkguard, local businesses, the Metropolitan Police, CCTV teams and other partners to support businesses affected by shoplifting, antisocial behaviour and repeat offending.

Parkguard Patrol Activity

Parkguard’s June summary shows a strong visible presence across the Angel BID area, with patrol activity focused on key retail locations and known hotspot areas.

During June, Parkguard recorded 50 location visits across the BID area.

Parkguard also recorded:

  • 69 occasions where officers liaised with a victim or informant
  • 6 occasions where individuals or groups were requested or directed to leave
  • 14 occasions where individuals or groups were warned or advised about their conduct
  • 1 patrol-generated arrest

These figures relate to Parkguard patrol activity only and do not include wider police, council or partner outcomes.

Business Crime Watch Group

The Angel Business Crime Watch Group continued to play an important role in helping businesses share live information quickly and safely.

Throughout June, members used the group to report shoplifting, attempted thefts, suspicious behaviour, counterfeit notes, antisocial behaviour and repeat offenders moving through the area. This helped nearby businesses, BID officers and patrol teams respond more quickly and build a clearer picture of issues across the BID area.

New businesses also joined the group during the month, strengthening the network and improving the flow of information between shops, hospitality venues and partner agencies.

If you use this group, remember to include key information when reporting incidents, such as:

  • Exact location
  • Time of incident
  • Suspect description
  • Direction of travel
  • Value of goods stolen
  • Whether police action is being pursued
  • Any available CCTV or images
  • Crime reference numbers where available

This helps improve the quality of intelligence shared with police and patrol teams.

Retail Crime and Repeat Offending

Shoplifting remained the main issue reported by businesses during June, with several stores affected by repeat offenders and organised theft activity.

Reports during the month included:

  • High-value shoplifting
  • Attempted thefts stopped by staff
  • Repeat offenders returning to the area
  • Individuals using disguises
  • Groups moving between stores
  • Thefts from fashion, grocery, health, beauty and optical retailers

A key focus during June was improving evidence gathering around repeat offenders. Businesses were encouraged to report all offences to police, retain CCTV where available, and share crime reference numbers so that incidents can be properly linked and followed up.

Where named individuals are discussed, the BID will continue to ensure that incidents are only attributed where the information has been clearly reported and verified.

Police, Court and Partnership Outcomes

June also saw a number of positive enforcement and court updates linked to ongoing partnership work between businesses, the BID, Parkguard and the Metropolitan Police.

One prolific offender was sentenced to two years in prison for 37 shop theft offences and received a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order.

Another profilic offendor has been sentenced to one month in prison after being linked to a series of shop theft offences.

Further updates shared during the month included arrests, charges, bail outcomes and wanted offender checks involving individuals linked to repeat shop theft across the Angel, Camden and Islington areas.

A previous Live Facial Recognition deployment in Angel also resulted in seven arrests, including arrests for failing to appear at court and possession of a bladed article.

These outcomes show the importance of continued reporting, evidence gathering, CCTV retention and sharing crime reference numbers, as this helps police and partners build stronger cases against repeat offenders.

Counterfeit Notes and Fraud Alerts

Businesses also used the Business Crime Watch Group to warn each other about counterfeit notes being used in the area.

Reports included attempted use of fake £5 notes and a fake £50 note. Members shared practical advice on checking banknotes, including raised print, holograms, clear windows and UV checks.

This was a useful example of businesses supporting one another by sharing information quickly and helping others prevent similar losses.

Antisocial Behaviour and Staff Safety

A number of antisocial behaviour concerns were reported during the month, including aggressive behaviour, intoxication, street nuisance, begging concerns and incidents affecting staff confidence.

There were also reports of individuals shouting at staff or members of the public, causing alarm, or behaving suspiciously around shops and public areas.

The BID response included reassurance visits, advice to businesses, escalation where appropriate, and continued coordination with Parkguard, CCTV and police partners.

Upcoming Partnership Operation

A joint partnership operation is planned for 7 July in Chapel Market.

The operation will focus on concerns around illegally modified electric bikes, unsafe riding and associated antisocial behaviour. The aim is to support public safety, respond to business and community concerns, and work with partners to address ongoing issues in the area.

Looking Ahead

The BID will continue to work with businesses, Parkguard, the Metropolitan Police, CCTV teams and local partners to improve reporting, share intelligence and support businesses affected by crime and antisocial behaviour.

Businesses are encouraged to continue reporting incidents to police, sharing relevant information through the Business Crime Watch Group, and providing CCTV, images and crime reference numbers where available.

Thank you to all businesses who continue to share information, support neighbouring stores and help keep the Angel area safer for staff, customers and visitors.