15 August 2012
Stay Safe Robbery Crackdown Success Continues
Operation Oklahoma, Luton’s robbery reduction crackdown, has
achieved some impressive results and reduced robberies in Luton by
29% so far.
The operation, which was launched in April, and supports the
force’s Stay Safe initiative, aims to reduce the opportunities for
muggings to take place and increases the likelihood of capturing
those who commit robbery.
Over 4730 hours has been clocked up by police officers, Police
Community Support Officers, Special Constables, Automatic Number
Plate Recognition Team, members of the Roads Policing Unit and the
Central Tasking Team, using both overt and covert tactics during
the dedicated crackdown.
One thousand and fifty three people have been stopped and spoken
with - the majority of these have been Section 1 PACE
searched, some have been completed using Section 23 Misuse of Drugs
Act, and a number have simply been encounters with officers getting
to know the people in the town and finding out what they think
about policing in the area whilst getting an understanding of their
concerns.
Sixty-five arrests have been made, these include; 13 for
Robbery, five for Burglary Dwelling, five for Vehicle Crime, five
for Firearms Offences, 17 for Drugs Offences, three for Shoplifting
(one of whom was subsequently charged with multiple Burglary
Dwelling offences), two for Metal Theft, two for Assault, three for
Possession of an Offensive Weapon, one for Non Payment of Fines
Warrant, one for Failing to Stop for Police and one for document
offences. One hundred and fifty three vehicles have also been
stopped and searched and 18 cannabis street cautions have been
issued.
Chief Inspector Rob McCaffray, who leads Operation Policing for
Luton, said: “This operation is continuing in the town to ensure
our young people are protected whilst they enjoy their summer break
and as we are half way through the holidays I think it would be
timely to remind those people who choose to commit crime in Luton
that Bedfordshire Police is continuing this operation and officers
will do all they can to bring them to justice.”
He continued: “During the weeks leading up to the school
holidays policing teams also visited local high schools to educate
young people about how they can keep themselves safe but they also
took the opportunity to educate those young people who may choose
to commit crime about the consequence of their actions. This
close liaison with young people will continue throughout the school
year.”
Bedfordshire Police will continue to send out messages via
Facebook, Twitter and Bluetooth reminding them of ways they can
Stay Safe, and remember, members of the public can also stay safe
by following some simple advice whilst they are out and about this
summer:
Stay sensible - being under the influence of
drink (or drugs) can significantly increase your chance of being a
victim of robbery. Be sensible in how much you drink and look after
your friends.
Stay aware - using headphones means you are
unlikely to hear someone approaching you until it is too late.
Stay secure - don't advertise your valuables;
keep them in pocket or handbag out of sight. Check it is safe
before you use your phone. Make sure your phone and other valuables
are security marked and registered on http://www.immobilise.com/. Also
think about downloading a tracker app to help the police trace your
phone if it is lost or stolen.
Stay calm – always report the offence
immediately to the police. Try to remember what the offender looks
like and was wearing, with a good description and your quick action
officers will have a good chance of catching the offender.
Stay safe - keep to main roads with
streetlights and avoid dark alleyways and shortcuts though parks.
Tell a responsible person when you will be home. Carry a personal
alarm.
Stay together - make sure everyone gets home
safely either with the group or in a taxi.
Bedfordshire Police is also inviting young people aged between
11 and 18 to put their creative skills to the test with a
performing arts competition designed to highlight the dangers and
consequences of committing street robberies.
The ‘Stay Safe’ competition requires entrants to create a three
minute performance video in which they sing, dance or act and is
being supported by the charity Crimestoppers, which has recently
launched http://www.fearless.org/ a website
designed to allow young people to give information about crime 100%
anonymously as a safe alternative to the Police.
Entries must be received no later than 26 October 2012. The
winner from each category will receive £100 worth of high street
vouchers. For more details about the competition go to
the ‘Stay safe’ section of our website.
If you have any information about robberies you can contact
Bedfordshire Police by calling 101. You can also
contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on
0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
No personal details are taken, information is not traced or
recorded and you will not go to court.
