A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to Ulez cameras as police reveal that more than four a day are being vandalised across London.
Scotland Yard recorded 795 crimes relating to London mayor Sadiq Khan’s controversial ultra-low emission zone expansion.
This includes 200 reports of cameras being stolen and 595 damaged between April and September 30, new Metropolitan Police figures show.
The actual number of cameras affected may be higher as one report can represent multiple offences.
The 52-year-old suspect detained on September 22 was questioned at a south London police station.
He has been bailed until mid-December pending further enquires.
In May, the Met launched an operation targeting vigilantes attacking Ulez cameras.
Two other arrests have been made, with one person charged and bailed for trial in June 2024. The other case was discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Khan, who made the decision to expand Ulez to the whole of London from August 29, previously warned people attacking cameras that “protest should be lawful, safe and peaceful”, adding: “It is really important to stay on the right side of the law.”
Polling suggests Tory candidate Susan Hall, who has promised to scrap Ulez expansion, is only narrowly behind Khan. Conservatives in City Hall are optimistic about their chances when the election comes in May.
However, opponents of the scheme, known as Blade Runners, have started targeting a fleet of camera vans attempting to enforce the rules.
Images posted on social media show some of the vehicles daubed with graffiti, with their cameras covered by bags and tyres deflated.
One was photographed being rescued by a recovery truck.
Ulez cameras use automatic number plate recognition technology to identify vehicles.
People who drive in the zone with a non-compliant vehicle and fail to pay the £12.50 daily fee are initially being sent warning letters.
In the coming weeks, TfL is expected to begin issuing £180 fines, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “The Met continues to treat criminal activity in relation to Ulez seriously and has deployed considerable resources to our operation.
“Where there are possible lines of enquiry, local investigators will follow up using a range of investigative approaches including CCTV trawls, witness searches and an assessment of forensic opportunities.”
Last month, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley told LBC during a live phone-in the force is dedicating a “significant amount” of resources to tackling Ulez camera-related crime, adding: “We have got other investigations ongoing.
“Clearly this is quite serious damage it adds up to in terms of property and that is the basis (on which) we judge it.
“So it is getting, I guess, a significant amount of policing resources.”
Asked what message he wants to send to those involved, Sir Mark said: “We are investigating the crimes and we will go after you and we will find you.”
