London UK – A Metropolitan Police operation has successfully reduced bank follow-off crime by 75% in the areas of Ealing, Stratford, and Ilford. This significant decrease is attributed to a focused effort on dismantling organised crime groups targeting vulnerable individuals leaving banks.
The initiative, part of the Met's broader commitment to neighbourhood policing and community safety, is known as 'Bank Safe.' Local police have been conducting targeted patrols around banks, raising awareness among customers and local communities about the tactics used by thieves, and meticulously analysing CCTV footage to identify and apprehend repeat offenders.
Follow-off crime involves a thief lurking inside banks to identify potential victims, who are then pickpocketed by their accomplices. While often under-reported, estimates indicate that up to 66% of victims are over 60 years old.
Police Sergeant David James, who leads the Bank Safe project, commented: "Distraction theft is a deeply personal crime with potentially life-changing impacts on victims. Many victims do not realise they have been targeted and often blame themselves for losing their hard-earned cash. Operations like Bank Safe are crucial in targeting these organised crime gangs and removing them from London’s streets. Since the operation began, we have seen a decrease in such crimes in some boroughs and aim to continue this trend."
The operation has received support from the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU). Catriona Still, Head of Fraud Prevention & Training at the DCPCU, said: "The collaboration between the DCPCU and the Met Police has been instrumental in preventing significant amounts of cash from being stolen. We have trained over 400 branch employees in high-risk areas across the UK in the past year alone. The banking industry is committed to preventing crime and will continue our efforts to protect consumers."
John McGeachy of Age UK London highlighted the particular vulnerability of older individuals: "With older people more likely to bank in person, it's particularly insidious to target them as they leave the bank with their cash. Being a victim of this crime can severely impact their confidence and mental health. We welcome the police’s efforts to ensure people can bank with confidence and safety."
Launched in 2022, the Bank Safe project responds to the rising incidence of follow-off crime. Specialist officers work to gather intelligence and dismantle organised gangs, while neighbourhood officers collaborate with partners such as the DCPCU, the financial industry, Age UK, local authorities, and banks to raise awareness and educate communities on this crime.
As part of the 'New Met for London' plan, the Met Police remain committed to focusing on local policing to address the issues that matter most to Londoners. They urge victims or witnesses to report thefts immediately, stressing the importance of the 'Golden Hour' after a theft for capturing thieves.
Everyone can contribute to preventing such crimes by staying aware of their surroundings and keeping cash secure and out of sight. Victims and witnesses should report thefts as soon as they occur by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
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