A group of Police Now recruits has been patrolling Greenwich, Lewisham and Bexley to keep the public safe this festive period. Supported by experienced colleagues, they have been responding to emergencies and patrolling crime hotspots to help prevent shoplifting, retail crime, violence and knife crime.

The new officers made 20 arrests during their street duties for various offences including drink driving, robbery, sexual offences, criminal damage, vehicle theft, handling stolen goods, and possession of offensive weapons. They also issued a number of Community Protection Warnings for shoplifting and dealt with multiple reports of crime thanks to members of the public engaging with them and raising concerns.

The officers have been proactively engaging with the public to offer protection and reassurance, gain valuable intelligence, and build stronger relationships with the community. They joined the Metropolitan Police Service this summer via Police Now’s two-year neighbourhood policing programme – which recruits, trains and develops outstanding individuals to become leaders in neighbourhood policing.

Police Constable Victoria Ackford, who is currently on the programme, said: “Whilst patrolling the high street, we were thrilled that so many members of the public engaged with us and came to say hello. We were grateful to have people be so open and honest with us and many of these talks were highlights in our days. Their insight into the community was invaluable as they brought us greater understanding and awareness of the local area.

“We hope our presence in the community was appreciated and we felt honoured to have served them during this part of our Police Now training, alongside our incredible sergeant and excellent tutors who are passionate about serving the local community.

“My colleagues and I now feel excited and ready to begin the next part of the programme in neighbourhood policing teams, where we endeavour to keep the public safe and hold offenders to account. I wish all those who celebrate a happy festive period and I look forward to continuing to form strong bonds with the public and helping to protect communities across London.”

These officers joined the Met this summer as part of a group of 191 new officers recruited across London on Police Now’s National Graduate Leadership Programme, to strengthen the force’s frontline and contribute to reducing crime, upholding standards, and building public confidence in policing.