“Policing is very easy – people have just overcomplicated it,” Inspector Darren Watson muses, carefully weaving through the masses on Westminster Bridge. This, from a man now known for comic book antics, naturally raises some eyebrows.
Earlier this year, he and colleague PC Osman found viral fame in the form of a very apt Batman and Robin double act. The crime-fighting duo swooped in on crooks attempting to dupe naïve tourists in rigged gambling games, the latest move in the ongoing cat and mouse game between police and numerous international gangs.
“The trouble is we’ve become too recognisable to their spotters, he continues, “They see us coming and will chuck the cup and balls into the river, or hide them in lampposts.
“We’re working with the Romanian embassy now to crack down on it even further. Oftentimes, people will leave the UK before their day in court and it can be difficult to track them.”
“But, the games wouldn’t exist if people didn’t want to play. Everyone thinks they can outsmart the scammer.”
This was the case for a fellow officer of the law who, despite encountering the cup-and-ball tactic back home in the Middle East, decided to partake. In just a few short minutes, he lost his misplaced conviction – and £700. When asked why he’d taken the risk, he admitted: “I didn’t think I’d fall for it”
The Metropolitan Police has previously said crime on the capital’s bridge is a concern for both the force and the public. In a statement provided to MyLondon in April, a spokesperson said officers continuously ‘target the sightseeing spot and put people before a judge’.
Whilst this responsibility now falls on Inspector Watson’s shoulders, the suppressed smile on his face as he recalls his team’s victories gives slip that he genuinely enjoy the chase of it all.
“We’ve pretended to be bus passengers, Boots workers…We’ve even hopped in a black cab and told them to pull over,” colleague PC Husen chimes in sternly, “We then jump out and surprise people sitting on the bridge or stealing. We catch them off guard.”
For the young constable, the role of a neighbourhood police officer is less about statistics and more about engaging the community in North Lambeth, a stance he believes goes hand in hand with reducing crime.
He said: “We need to build that trust so we don’t miss bigger issues. Say for example, if we don’t show up to your shop when it gets robbed, then you lose all confidence in the police. If someone working there happens to be a victim of domestic abuse then they just won’t tell us what’s happening.”
This situation happened to PC Husen recently, with a worker in an oft-looted pharmacy finally admitting she is being hurt at home. Bashful, but clearly proud, he adds: “They [people working in North Lambeth] know us by our first names. We speak to everyone.”
As we walk, joining the crowds drawn towards the London Eye, it’s clear this is no exaggeration of the truth; a smile from the ticket sellers, a shared joke between the tour bus operators. Even an ice cream van, illegally parked on council land, moves with little to no convincing, with owner Boris accepting a fine almost willingly.
“They’re probably making close to £2,000 a day,” Inspector Watson shrugs as the van drives off, “He’ll likely go around the corner and wait until we’re gone. Sometimes there are simply bigger things to deal with.”
Petty theft is one main concern for the three-man team, particularly in the area around Waterloo station. Here, shops are targeted by, more often than not, drug users out for some quick cash. Vitamins, makeup and skincare are all common picks, with shelves once left so barren customers thought the store was closing. One pharmacy reportedly had £160 worth of products nicked in one fell swoop.
Managers and workers revealed this is no longer the case due to the increased police presence and improved communication. Stores along Lower Marsh in particular are visited by PCs almost daily and have been kitted out with linked radios, allowing warnings to be transmitted along the road.
Inspector Watson says his team has not had a single not guilty plea for shoplifters they’ve arrested, adding: “I’ll go after everyone. I’ve put someone behind bars over a £6 bottle of wine.”
However, the area is still plagued with repeat offenders. St Thomas’ Hospital is a source of much irritation, reportedly dubbed a crime generator amongst some in the police force.
Watson continued: “I don’t get frustrated putting the same people away as we’re getting them off the streets for a while. We work through the list methodically, starting at the top and working our way down.
“We get told to reduce our crime numbers but it’s hard when they’re bringing people from all over London to my borough. We see a lot of crimes driven by drugs, alcohol and mental health issues.”
In order for things to change, those living and working in the area need to drive the neighbourhood policing teams’ localised focus. These major concerns or problems often slip through the cracks or are overlooked due to a lack of engagement, according to the team.
“There are only 10 people coming to the meetings, when there are 10,000 people in the ward,” Inspector Watson explains.
Metropolitan Police launch Met Engage
He and his colleagues are now encouraging people in London to stay updated on what’s happening in their area through the newly-launched Met Engage platform. This subscription email service provides people with crime prevention advice, updates on ongoing incident and investigations and information about successful outcomes.
Residents can also raise concerns to the officers patrolling closest to them. Currently open to those living in Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth, it will be rolled out across the capital following the trial period.
It’s hoped this will further enhance the Met’s community-first approach, with neighbourhood policing “at the forefront” of the force’s ambition to build more trust, cut crime and improve standards.
“Community is a close-knit group,” Inspector Watson added, “and there’s key people in there. Police officers should be one of them.
“I can’t promise we’ll solve all the problems, but we’ll give it our all.”
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