Delivered in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service, the operation coincides with the district’s most important and busiest trading period, which attracts millions of visitors from across the UK and abroad.

Now in its fourth year, Operation West End is the annual flagship security and policing initiative from New West End Company, which represents over 600 West End businesses, including on Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street. This year’s Operation is the longest to date – running for seven weeks, until the end of December.

New West End Company already operates the capital’s largest private street patrol team, which works 24/7, 365 days a year. Operation West End will see a significant uplift in this on-street security team on peak footfall days such as Black Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, as well as weekends across December. West End footfall across December is expected to be up to 25% higher than the summer months.

The uplift in New West End Company’s security team will be matched by an increased, dedicated policing presence across the district. Joint patrols conducted by New West End Company and the Metropolitan Police Service will target high-volume street crime, including phone theft, theft from person, and retail crime.

Covert operations targeting acquisitive crime will run in parallel, informed by intelligence gathered by both New West End Company and the Metropolitan Police Service.

Dee Corsi, Chief Executive, New West End Company, commented: “The festive season is the most crucial trading period for our businesses, with performance across the next few weeks often determining the success of the year. But in order for them to deliver the exceptional experiences visitors expect, it is imperative our streets remain safe and welcoming.

“Operation West End is designed to provide additional resource and reassurance for businesses and visitors alike during this time. Safety and security remain top of our agenda, and this year’s Operation is the biggest investment we have made, to date, in tackling crime over the festive season.

“Our strong, long-term working partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service has already delivered some impressive results. We’ve welcomed the recent step-change in the force’s approach to tackling volume crime, including shop theft, and its renewed focus on the West End as a strategic policing priority. Together, we know we can drive real change for the business community.”

Superintendent Natasha Evans, from the Metropolitan Police Service, said:

“The West End is one of London’s busiest and most vibrant areas, especially during the festive season. Our priority is to ensure that everyone – whether they are shopping, working, or visiting – feels safe and protected. By working closely with New West End Company through Operation West End, we are able to focus our resources to deter crime and target offenders. This joint approach sends a clear message: crime will not be tolerated, and we are committed to keeping the West End safe for businesses and visitors alike.”

Operation West End coincides with the Metropolitan Police Service’s Autumn intensification plan for the West End, recently launched by the force to show that crime in the area is being tackled through highly visible policing, proactive operations, and covert activity to target offenders and deter criminal behaviour.

The programme of intensification began with Operation Baselife, a week-long uplift of police visibility, involving over 100 officers. It was supported by New West End Company and resulted in more than 140 arrests during a crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour.

In July, the Metropolitan Police further reinforced its commitment to the West End by adding an additional 80 new officer posts to the local neighbourhood team, despite wider pressures faced by the force. The investment was made possible by additional funding from City Hall and the Home Office, which enabled the Metropolitan Police to uplift resources in hotspot areas, like the West End.