LONDON – As the British capital prepares for a packed summer schedule of music festivals and concerts, the Metropolitan Police has initiated a comprehensive operation specifically targeting sexual offences against women and girls at large-scale events.
This significant crackdown, which commenced on June 5, 2025, aims to enhance safety across London’s major venues and surrounding areas, reflecting a heightened focus on public protection during periods of high attendance.
Bolstering Security and Presence
The operation involves a considerable increase in police presence and security measures at over 50 large-scale events scheduled throughout the summer. This includes heightened visibility within the venues themselves and crucial patrols along routes leading to and from major transport hubs, such as Tube stations.
To support this initiative and strengthen the force’s capacity to investigate related crimes, an additional 565 officers and staff have been assigned to public protection roles. These personnel are specifically designated to bolster existing domestic abuse, rape, and sexual offence investigation teams, ensuring that dedicated resources are available to handle reports and pursue offenders effectively.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell of the Metropolitan Police emphasized the strategic importance of the operation. “Protecting women and girls is a top priority for the Met,” Deputy Assistant Commissioner Russell stated, underlining the force’s commitment. He added that the Met is working collaboratively with the government towards the ambitious goal of halving violence against women and girls, an objective that underscores the urgency and scale of the current efforts.
Leveraging Technology for Identification
A key component of the enhanced security measures is the increased use of live facial recognition tools. This technology is being deployed strategically to identify wanted individuals and those who are subject to court orders, including crucial sexual harm prevention orders. The aim is to proactively identify potential risks within crowded environments, preventing offences before they occur or apprehending those who pose a known threat to public safety.
Early Successes and Visibility
The operation was officially launched on June 5, 2025, coinciding with a major Beyonce concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This initial deployment yielded immediate results, with officers removing a person suspected of stalking and threatening behaviour from the premises. Furthermore, a man was arrested for the offence of upskirting at the same event, demonstrating the effectiveness of the increased vigilance.
Providing public insight into the police efforts, ITV News London was granted access to observe the operation firsthand. Journalists joined police officers at a subsequent large event, a Dua Lipa concert at Wembley Stadium, witnessing the deployment of resources and tactics designed to keep attendees safe.
Addressing the Underreporting Challenge
The Met’s intensified focus comes against a backdrop of persistent challenges in the reporting of sexual offences. Internal figures highlight a concerning reality: 68% of women who experience physical or verbal abuse do not report it to the police. This statistic underscores the potential scale of unreported incidents and reinforces the need for proactive measures to create environments where women and girls feel safer and more confident in reporting experiences to the authorities.
By increasing visible policing, implementing preventative technologies, and ensuring dedicated investigative resources are available, the Metropolitan Police aims not only to deter potential offenders but also to build trust within the community and encourage reporting.
A Commitment to Safer Public Spaces
The summer concert series represents a significant period of public gathering in London, and the Met’s operation is a clear signal of its commitment to ensuring these events remain safe and enjoyable for all attendees, with a particular focus on protecting those most vulnerable to sexual harm. The coordinated approach, combining increased personnel, technological support, and strategic patrolling, is designed to proactively mitigate risks and respond effectively to incidents, striving to create a secure environment across the capital’s stages and beyond. The success of this operation will be crucial in building public confidence and contributing to the broader goal of reducing violence against women and girls in London.
