Royal Parks Making London's Personal Space Safer

The Royal Parks Public Affairs Department, The Royal Parks Operational Command Unit (OCU) and its partners are collaboratively working together to deliver a crime prevention campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to increase crime awareness to park users and provide them with practical crime prevention guidance on how to keep valuables. This will be reinforced with the core message of 'Safe Parks, Made Safer'.

In April 2007 the Royal Parks Operational Command Unit entered into a Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership with The Royal Parks, concessionaires, contractors and other stakeholders. As a result of this partnership 2 separate groups were set up, one to deal with theft/robbery the other for criminal damage within the parks.

The Royal Parks has historically had low levels of crime, yet we believe more can be done to increase the safety and reduce crime.

As part of the campaign we are introducing a range of initiatives and publicity materials to communicate the messages efficiently and through different means. For example:

• Stickers affixed to pay and display parking machines reminding drivers to secure their vehicles and remove valuables from view.
• Similar messages printed on pay and display tickets.
• Triangular table top prisms reminding customers in restaurants to keep valuables safe/concealed.
• Posters are displayed discreetly in buildings reminding the public to keep valuables safe.
• Every restaurant in the Royal Parks now has bag security clips fitted (Chelsea Clips).

It has been acknowledged that people are less alert when they come into an open environment. The publicity materials will be a constant reminder to the public to keep their belongings safe. Other publicity materials can be found around potential areas within the parks. In addition contractors and concessionaires have fitted security clips at no cost and have put up posters.

The Royal Parks Operational Command Unit (OCU) has given the following advice to park visitors:

• Lock vehicles when left unattended and remove valuables from sight, including satellite navigation equipment, mobile phones etc.
• Keep bags and valuables safe, especially when relaxing or in large crowds.
• Stay out of dark areas of the parks at night, use well lit areas.
• Be aware of what is going on around you.

It is important that visitors are aware of the closing times and regulations. Check park opening and closing times on the website.

Please help The Royal Parks make the parks even safer, so that they can continue to be London's personal and safer space.

For more information or advice please contact Mark Biggs at mark.biggs@met.police.uk