MY LOCAL BOBBY

How to Spot a Shoplifter: Key Signs to Watch For Shoplifters aren’t always easy to spot—they often blend in with regular shoppers and use clever tactics to distract you. But with the right awareness, you can identify suspicious behavior. Here are some key signs to look out for: ➡️ Too Watchful: If someone seems more interested in watching you and your staff than browsing products, they might be waiting for the right moment to act. ➡️ Overly Chatty: Some shoplifters will try to keep your attention, talking for the sake of it, while an accomplice steals. ➡️ Avoiding Assistance: Regularly refusing your help or entering the store frequently without making purchases can be a red flag. ➡ Physical distraction: For example, bump into you in the street or in a store, place a map on your table and ask for directions 🔑 Pro Tip: Don’t fall for distractions, and always have strong security measures in place, like staff near entrances, smart use of security devices, and keeping alert! If you suspect someone has stolen, stay calm and neutral, and contact the authorities if it’s safe to do so. Together, we can keep our businesses and communities safe. #CrimePrevention #ShopliftingPrevention #CommunitySafety #BusinessSecurity #StayAlert

Building Safer Communities with the 2024 Budget Our Operations Director, Ahmet Izzet, welcomes the 2024 Budget’s focus on tackling retail crime. With new resources directed at combatting organised shoplifting and supporting frontline workers, this commitment aligns with our ongoing efforts at My Local Bobby to ensure safer high streets and vibrant community spaces. Together, we’re creating environments where businesses and communities can thrive securely. #CommunitySafety #RetailCrime #2024Budget #AhmetIzzet #MyLocalBobby #CreatingSaferCommunities

Partnership Patrol with Westminster City Council Council and Heart of London Business Alliance. Last week, your Bobbies joined Westminster Council and the Heart of London Business Alliance on patrol in Central London, working together to strengthen safety and community support. These collaborative patrols focus on tackling local issues, engaging with the public, and supporting businesses to create a safer, more welcoming environment for all. 🛡 Why it matters: Effective partnerships with local authorities and business alliances are key to enhancing public safety and building community trust. Together, we’re making a difference on the streets of Central London. Ros Morgan Kirsty Tullett-Jones Robin Hibbert Mark Williams #CentralLondonSafety #PartnershipPatrol #WestminsterCouncil #HeartOfLondon #MyLocalBobby

Repeat Offender detained in Central London On the 4th of November, whilst patrolling in Central London, your Bobbies Cem and Mo were alerted by concerned members of the public about an incident near a popular cinema. When they arrived, they found a suspect who had been detained by bystanders after attempting to snatch a bag containing £4,000 from a victim at a nearby money exchange. Thanks to the quick response of the community, Cem and Mo were able to secure the suspect until the police arrived. After further investigation, it was revealed that the suspect was connected to multiple similar theft incidents in the area. Police arrested him on charges of theft x4, putting a halt to his targeting of unsuspecting individuals. 🛡 Why it matters: With support from the public, our Bobbies can respond efficiently to incidents and help make Central London a safer place. #CommunitySafety #BobbiesInAction #CentralLondonSecurity #YourBobbies #PublicVigilance

Introducing Safe Havens: Support When You Need It Most Safe Havens provide a vital resource for individuals in need of temporary refuge and support. Businesses like shops, cafes, pubs, and libraries across London can register as Safe Havens, offering a safe space where people can seek help. While these venues don’t provide specialist interventions, staff can offer reassurance, assist with phone calls, charge devices, call a taxi, or contact emergency services if needed. Through the efforts of Safer Business Network, more Safe Havens are being established across London, creating a network of support for those who feel vulnerable or require assistance while out in the community. 🛡 Why it matters: Safe Havens are about providing a friendly face, a safe space, and the help needed to make someone’s onward journey smoother and safer. #SafeHavens #CommunitySafety #SaferBusinessNetwork #LondonSafety #MyLocalBobby #SupportNetwork Hannah Wadey Adam Ratcliffe Eren Bessim Barry Murphy Sally Bradbeer #AskForAngela #CommunitySafety #WAVETraining #SaferBusinessNetwork #LondonSafety #MyLocalBobby

On Saturday the 19th of October, St John Ambulance hosted a valuable first aid session, right in the heart of Ipswich high street. Your Street Security Team Adam, Curtis and Evander took the opportunity to engage with the community and support the initiative, reinforcing the importance of first aid skills in keeping the public safe. My Local Bobby are always proud to support and collaborate with organisations that share our commitment to community safety and wellbeing. Ipswich Central #FirstAid #CommunityEngagement #StJohnAmbulance #PublicSafety #MyLocalBobby

Scams to Avoid – Don’t Fall for Distractions 👀 Last week, we talked about bag cutting, but another common scam you need to watch out for is distraction scams. It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book, and it usually involves multiple people. One person distracts you while the other grabs your valuables—quick and subtle. 🛑 What to watch out for: ➡ Someone asking for directions or trying to get you to take their photo. ➡ Spills of food or drink that seem to come out of nowhere. ➡ Street performers or children suddenly surrounding you. ➡ A sudden brawl or disturbance that grabs your attention. 🛡 How to avoid it: ➡ Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist spots like Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Camden Market. ➡ If something feels off or staged, don’t engage. ➡ Keep your belongings secured and close to your body at all times. Be cautious in crowded areas! Next week, we’ll dive into fake luxury goods scams and how to avoid being tricked by counterfeit sellers. #ScamsToAvoid #DistractionScams #StaySafe #LondonTips #MyLocalBobby #CommunitySafety

Hammer-Wielding Suspect Detained by Your Bobbies in Central London On the 30th of October, during a routine meeting, your Bobbies received an urgent report from a health and beauty store in Central London about an individual who had smashed a display with a hammer before attempting to steal high-value items. Thanks to a vigilant member of the public, the stolen goods were recovered. Your Bobbies responded immediately, locating the suspect nearby and safely detaining him, given the potential threat. He was arrested for attempted theft and criminal damage, and £706 worth of merchandise was secured. 🛡️ Why it matters: Swift, coordinated action between your Bobbies and the community is crucial to ensuring safety in Central London. We’re proud of our team’s dedication to protecting local businesses and the public. #CentralLondonSafety #YourBobbies #SwiftResponse #CrimePrevention #MyLocalBobby

No parent expects to lose sight of their child, and even a brief separation can feel overwhelming and frightening. On the 23rd of October, your Bobbies encountered a distressed mother in Central London who had just lost her daughter moments after exiting a busy station. She was visibly upset, and they quickly approached to calm her down and gather a description of the child. Fortunately, thanks to the help of members of the public nearby, the child was found just across the road. The mother was incredibly relieved, and your Bobbies were happy to assist in reuniting them. Moments like these highlight the importance of looking out for one another in busy public spaces, and we’re proud to play a part in keeping the community safe and reassured. #CommunitySafety #RapidResponse #LostAndFound #CentralLondon #MyLocalBobby

Reflecting on a Great Day at the Police Resettlement and Veteran UK Expo's! On Thursday, we had the privilege of connecting with former police officers and military veterans at the Police Resettlement EXPO and Veteran UK Expo at the QEII Centre. It was inspiring to meet so many skilled individuals eager to explore new opportunities and learn about My Local Bobby’s mission to create safer communities. A big thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to discuss potential roles with our Recruitment Consultant Eloise Sinnott and Operations Manager, Luke Gilding Msyl. We’re excited about the possibility of working alongside you, and we appreciate the chance to share how your unique skills can make a real impact with My Local Bobby. Thank you to the event organizers and everyone who made the day a success – we’re looking forward to welcoming new team members as part of our journey towards a safer future. SATOS Media Reaz Ramputh #PoliceResettlementExpo #VeteranUKExpo #ThankYou #NewOpportunities #MyLocalBobby #ExPolice #Veterans #BuildingSaferCommunities