The Metropolitan Police are dedicating a “significant amount” of resources to tackling ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) camera-related crime, the force’s commissioner has said.
There were 510 crime reports relating to Ulez cameras logged between April 1 and the end of August, figures released by the Met Police last week show.
Two arrests have been made, with one person charged and bailed and the other case discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service, the force said.
We are investigating the crimes and we will go after you and we will find you— Sir Mark Rowley, Metropolitan Police Commissioner
Sir Mark Rowley told LBC during a live phone-in on Friday morning: “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, the commissioner said: “We are investigating the crimes and we will go after you and we will find you.”
There have been approximately 160 reports of cameras being stolen and 350 cameras being damaged, according to Met Police figures.
The actual number of cameras affected may be higher as one report can represent multiple offences.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Ulez expanded across all of the capital’s boroughs on August 29.
A Transport for London spokesperson said last week that camera vandalism will not stop the Ulez operating London-wide.
“All vandalised cameras are replaced as soon as possible,” they said.
“We have an extensive camera network which is sufficient to support the effective operation of the scheme.”
