London Riots: Kensington and Chelsea Borough

My building released this moments ago...

Statement on recent disturbances

 The Council this morning (9 August) forcefully condemned the outbreaks of violent disorder that took place in Kensington and Chelsea overnight.

 Though not on the scale experienced by Croydon, Ealing and elsewhere, a series of incidents took place in the north and south of the borough that damaged property and alarmed law abiding citizens.

"The behaviour seen last night is utterly intolerable," said Council Leader, Sir Merrick Cockell.

 "I, like many others, look forward to a day in the not too distant future when the courts send a clear message to these thugs and thieves that the streets belong to us, not them.

"Our job now is to clear up the mess and get the borough back to normality and we are hard at work on that already."

The Leader also paid tribute to local police, who bravely confronted the gangs.

"For obvious reasons, local police were under strength last night," said Sir Merrick.

"That’s plainly not ideal when you find yourself up against a uninhibited 70 strong gang. We salute our police for their courage."

Information about disturbances last night (Monday 8 August 2011)

The Metropolitan Police have released the following details of confirmed incidents:

·       a group of young people caused damage to the windows and frontage of several shops near Sloane Square as well as some looting.

·       there were a number of incidents in and around the Portobello Road area including:

o   young people smashed a police car on Portobello Road and an officer also later sustained injuries in a subsequent attack

o   a taxi was attacked and a mobile phone was stolen but the taxi and passengers escaped

o   a small number of shops were smashed and looted

o   a bystander outside a local restaurant was attacked while trying to move a scooter and sustained serious injuries

o   20 young people entered the Ledbury restaurant in the late evening and stole watches and various items from customers

o   damage to two cars.

Local advice

Over the last few days public disorder and criminal damage to residential and business premises ensued in many parts of London, including Kensington and Chelsea.  The Council is aware of the impact this is having on the business community and is working closely with the Metropolitan Police Service who are making every effort to combat further criminal activity across London.

You may notice an increase in the number of police officers in your area and this should not be cause for alarm.  You may also wish to take the following precautionary measures:

·       Please stay indoors as much as possible this evening and be cautious and alert

·       Specific advice for the business community can be found here: http://www.rbkc.gov.uk/businessandenterprise.aspx

·       Anyone with information about last night’s events should contact the police, either through Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on 101, or in an emergency on 999. If you feel unsafe at any time or see any further activity please ring 101 or 999.

·       Operation Withern is investigating the disorder and violence in parts of London over the last few days. An incident room has been set up. Anyone with information should call the major investigation team on 020 8345 4142.

·       You may also wish to consider subscribing to the official police messaging system ‘Neighbourhood Link’. To subscribe to this service please visit: http://www.neighbourhoodlink.met.police.uk/

·       A source for developments across London is the Met Police’s regular updates which can be found here: http://content.met.police.uk/News/Disorder-updates-and-advice/1260269372559/1257246741786

·       If you would like to help with cleaning up damage from the riots locally or around London all details can be found at http://www.riotcleanup.com/