CLIMATE OF FEAR
Extinction Rebellion London protests risk rise in violent crime as 428 eco-warriors arrested fill cells, ex police chief warns
CLIMATE change protests could see a rise in violent crime on London's streets as 428 eco-warriors fill cells, an ex-police chief has warned.
The capital has been thrown into chaos as activists blocked landmarks and bridges this week - with the protests showing no signs of slowing down.
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Now, experts have warned police having to pull protesters off roads and trains could be putting the capital at risk.
Former Met Police commissioner Lord Stevens today told LBC that violent crime in London could rise because cops are having to be re-deployed to cover the Extinction Rebellion protests.
He said: "A lot of police will be taken from boroughs outside London.
"We know from past experience that when that happens, crime goes up. Here we are in the middle of a knife crime crisis and we really have to get on with it."
He added: "I think where the mistake has been made is to give them the authority of ability to do this.
"The bottom line is, you have to get in there, you have to make the arrests and clear the streets."
As of this morning, Met Police confirmed they had arrested more than 428 people over the protests after issuing an order for them to gather only at Marble Arch.
It has been suggested the sheer volume of protesters arrested have put pressure on police, with activists themselves claiming cells in the capital are full and "operating on a one-in, one-out capacity".
A lot of police will be taken from boroughs outside London. We know from past experience that when that happens, crime goes up
Lord Stevens
Some have even claimed they were taken as far away as Luton and Brighton as police struggled with demand.
But police refused to comment, saying that had "contingency plans in place" should they run out of space.
The most recent Met Police data revealed 799 cells were available across London two years ago, reported.
Figures released last year also suggested forces were already struggling to cope with crime as numbers on the beat were stripped back.
Yesterday saw a string of stabbings unfold on London's streets, with one man attacked as his car was stolen in East London.
Police also launched a murder investigation after a man in his 30s was stabbed to death in front of horrified commuters in North London.
NO SIGNS OF STOPPING
Today, protesters have continued to block Waterloo Bridge and Oxford Circus - moving onto Vauxhall Bridge during the fourth day of protests.
Chanting and waving signs with slogans, the groups have even performed yoga as they refuse to move.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove told the activists "we've got the message", telling BBC's The One Show: "I do worry sometimes about some of the scenes we’ve seen and some of the activity that goes on.
"So I think it’s appropriate for people to make their feelings known but I also think, we’ve got the message, we understand that action needs to be taken.
"And in fact some of the activity that’s been going on on the streets has actually stopped people doing their jobs and also impeded, for example, people getting around London in a way that’s appropriate."
It comes after a dramatic day yesterday saw three activists charged with obstructing trains after gluing themselves to a DLR train at Canary Wharf yesterday.
Two people even had to be bundled down from the train with ropes after refusing to move.
Transport for London said the stunt had only caused minor delays.
I think it’s appropriate for people to make their feelings known but I also think, we’ve got the message, we understand that action needs to be taken
Michael Gove
The targeting of the Docklands Light Railway comes despite the extension bringing huge environmental benefits, including around 120,000 fewer taxi rides and 288,000 fewer car journeys necessary - reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 156 tonnes.
While the protesters have insisted they have "no choice" but to cause disruptions, innocent locals spoke of their fury as London's West End businesses revealed they had lost £12m.
Campaigners said in a statement: "Participants will peacefully break the law in order to stop the Tube and then will wait to be arrested.
"We sincerely apologise to all those who may suffer as a consequence of this disruption. In any other circumstances we would never dream of disrupting the Tube but this is an emergency.
"We request that workers do not intervene in the protests to ensure that they go as smoothly and safely as possible for all involved."
Extinction Rebellion - climate protestors plan to 'shut down Heathrow' tomorrow as millions start Easter getaway
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Met Police said the condition for protesters to only gather at Marble Arch would remain in place until Friday night.
Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove said: "The serious disruption that the Extinction Rebellion demonstrations is causing to people in central London and beyond is unacceptable. We have a robust policing plan in place to deal with anyone committing criminal offences.
"We have made around 340 arrests already, and officers will continue to make further arrests where offences are being committed. Officers are doing everything in their power to contain the demonstration and minimise disruption.
"The Met has a duty to balance the rights of those engaged in protest and who are acting within the law, against the needs and rights of Londoners to go about their daily lives with minimum disruption."
A British Transport Police spokesperson said: "Our priority during protest activity is to protect and safeguard people using the railway and to minimise any potential disruption to the rail network in London, including Underground services. A number of additional officers have been on patrol and have focussed their deployments at transport hubs and based on intelligence.
"While these patrols are targeted at preventing protest, officers also remain highly vigilant towards violence and other forms of crime and these patrols complement our existing strategies at cutting crime on the rail network.”
MOST READ IN NEWS
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that while he shared the passion of the protesters about the urgent need to tackle climate change he was "extremely concerned" about plans to disrupt the London Underground.
In a statement posted on Twitter he said: "It is absolutely crucial to get more people using public transport, as well as walking and cycling, if we are to tackle this climate emergency - and millions of Londoners depend on the Underground network to get about their daily lives in our city.
"Targeting public transport in this way would only damage the cause of all of us who want to tackle climate change, as well as risking Londoners' safety and I'd implore anyone considering doing so to think again."
Police filmed dancing and chanting with Extinction Rebllion eco-warriors in London's Oxford Circus AND skateboarding on Waterloo Bridge
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