Enhanced police patrols across east London to protect pupils as they return to school.

East Area police have launched a special operation to specifically protect school children as they return to school on Monday 8th of March.

Operation Bempton will see enhanced visible patrols at the start and end of the school day along popular school routes, at transport hubs and places where youngsters may gather.

Chief Inspector Mick O’Donoghue, East Area Deputy Lead for Neighbourhood Policing said’particular attention’ will be paid on the start and end of school times.

Police will be working jointly with local authorities and partners to support, safeguard and reduce the drivers of violent crime, including robbery.

Mr O’Donoghoe said: “My teams of dedicated Ward Officers and Safer Schools Teams will be on patrol and working actively with young people, on route to and from school.

“Our Safer Schools Officers are instrumental in helping young people learn about ways they can keep safe whilst travelling to and from school”.

Detective Inspector Luke Hampton, lead for East Area Burglary and Robbery Investigation Team added: “My teams are actively pushing all lines of enquiry and intelligence, focusing on those intent on committing offences of Robbery, which target young people going to and from school. My officers are working with violence suppression units and joint crime and enforcement teams to pursue those intent on committing these types of offences.”

Police are also keen for people to be on the look out for E_Scooters, that can be an enabler to robberies on young people travelling to and from school.

Police urge anyone with information about any individual carrying weapon or intent on committing offences of robbery to contact police by calling 101, or reporting via online link. Can also contact crime stoppers or Fearless anonymously, with any information too.

Further information about how you can keep safe, please see link:

https://www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/violence/stay-safe/

https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/how-to-report-a-crime/

https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/advice-on-e-scooter-usage/

There are several organisations which support young people @nspcc, @childrens society@ young minds @victim support.