Following a series of Freedom of Information requests to the London Metropolitan Police, Community—the Union for Betting Shop Workers has found an astonishing 65% rise in Anti-Social Behavior in and around betting shops since 2005. The figures for 2009 show that there will be significant rise again. Theft Offences and allegations are both up significantly since 2006, 16% and 35.3% respectfully.
The Met Police figures reveal:
2009 is predicted to be the worst year yet, with figures for the first six months (January to June) being 78% of last years annual total.
The 406 reported incidents for the first 6 months (January to June) of 2009 is:
- 78% of the 2008 annual total (521)
- has already surpassed the total for both 2005 (314) and 2006 (307).
Theft persists as a problem for everyone in the betting shop industry not least staff at the front line who find themselves often threatened, abused and victimised. Met Police figures reveal:
Theft in betting shops has a long term impact for all those who work in the industry and needs to be tackled to keep the shop window to the UK Betting Industry respectable and
This will be deeply unwelcome news to everyone in the Industry where the issue of Anti-Social behaviour, safety at work and all the problems associated with lone working have been pushed up the political agenda by the trade union, Community—the Union for Bettering Shop.
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Anti-Social Behaviour (In and Around Betting Shops)
Overall increase of 65.9% since 2005.
The worst London Boroughs were Tower Hamlets, Harringey and Brent.
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Theft Offences
Overall increase of 16% since 2006
The worst London Boroughs were Harringey, City of Westminster and Brent.
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Theft Allegations
Overall increase of 35.3 %
The worst London Boroughs were Harringey, City of Westminster and Southwark.
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