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The Bishops Ward Safer Neighbourhoods team, led by Sgt Kevin Hyder, continues to address local safety and security issues, including priority areas identified by the business community.
An issue that is currently taking up a lot of the team's time is termed 'Theft Other'; this relates largely to the theft of handbags and other possessions from bars and restaurants on the South Bank and the Waterloo area. All bar owners have been visited and advised of the need to warn their customers to be on their guard against this sort of crime. Bag clips have been fitted in the majority of Waterloo bars, along with security posters in the pub toilets to urge people to hang their bags. WQBA will shortly be issuing jointly branded posters with the Police for distribution in the BID area.
Street drinking remains a concern for local businesses. The cold weather has helped to keep this issue under control, but the Safer Neighbourhoods team continues to undertake a'clean sweep' of the area 2-3 times a week, as part of which alcohol is confiscated from the street drinkers. Local shops are also urged not to sell alcohol to street drinkers, as this increases the appeal of Waterloo as a place for anti-social activity.
The closure of Leake Street to vehicles in November was a cause of concern for businesses, who were anticipating increased crime in the street due to the lack of passing surveillance. However, with the exception of two rough sleepers, security in the street has not proved a problem.
Other recent activity of interest to local business are a bike-marking session on Lower Marsh to identify them in case of loss or theft and increased targeting of motorists who mis-use the blue badge scheme for disabled drivers.
Businesses wishing to register their concern regarding on-going issues in the BID area can either contact the WQBA team on 020 7620 1301 or the Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 020 7321 7570. Businesses should continue to dial 999 for any emergency calls.
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