The Met has launched a crackdown on those going to music concerts this summer with bad intentions. The operation, dubbed the V100 initiative, will see officers flood 51 big concerts in order to catch those perpetuating in violence against women and girls (VAWG).
It will include cops identifying and intervening in any predatory or violent behaviour. The crackdown began after the Beyonce concert at Wembley Stadium on Thursday, June 5, where a man was arrested on suspicion of upskirting. He has since been bailed.
Wembley Stadium predicts around 3million people will flock to the venue this summer, the majority thought to be young women and girls. The project tracks the most dangerous offenders, with 75 per cent of those on its hitlist accused of rape and multiple sexual assaults, as well as murder.
‘Women and girls deserve to be safe’
Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz said: “Women and girls deserve to be safe and feel safe wherever they are in the capital and I welcome this action by the Met at summer concerts to prevent violent behaviour, support those in need and take swift action against perpetrators.
“The Met’s V100 work, made possible by City Hall funding, is transforming the way they tackle violence against women and girls, ensuring perpetrators who pose the greatest risk are arrested and convicted – protecting victims from the worst offenders and making our streets safer.
“Putting specially trained officers at these busy summer concerts is another step in the right direction. The Mayor and I will continue to support the Met to do everything possible to keep women and girls safe as part of our ongoing public health approach to tackling VAWG in all its forms to build a safer London for all.”
A Wembley Stadium spokesperson said: “The Wembley experience is all about enjoying a moment that our guests will remember forever. We are expecting around 3million people to attend our concerts this summer – the majority of whom will be young women and girls.
“All of them should be able to attend without any fear or worry and be able to remember that moment for all the right reasons. “
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