Strengthening Safety and Business Resilience in Harley Street

Through strategic partnerships, innovative safety initiatives, and dedicated security and cleansing teams, we are driving meaningful change across the district. By fostering collaboration and strengthening business resilience, we aim to create a safer, more connected, and future-focused Harley Street that benefits all organisations in the area.

A Collaborative Approach to Safety and Crime Reduction

Safety and business resilience rely on strong partnerships. At the Harley Street BID, we work closely with key agencies, including Westminster City Council, the Metropolitan Police, British Transport Police, the Safer Business Network, the West End Security Group, and neighbouring BIDs such as the Baker Street Quarter Partnership, Marble Arch Partnership, New West End Company, and Fitzrovia Partnership.

As Head of Operations and Security, I actively participate in the Safer Neighbourhood Ward Panel, working alongside businesses, residents, and the Metropolitan Police to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. These efforts are supported by our monthly intelligence brief, which enables us to proactively identify and mitigate risks from prolific offenders in the area. By ensuring businesses have access to the latest intelligence and security measures, we are strengthening resilience and contributing to the ongoing success of our district.

Expanding Safety Initiatives

Already this year, we have launched several new initiatives to enhance security and resilience, including:

• Lone Worker Device Initiative – Providing protection for individuals working alone.
• Crime Prevention Day with the BBC – Supporting efforts to educate businesses on crime prevention.
• Days of Action – Working with the Metropolitan Police and Westminster City Council to address safety concerns, with more dates planned.
• Issuance of Acid Attack Kits – Equipping our security team with essential emergency resources.
• Quarterly Security Forum – Bringing businesses and agencies together to discuss security updates and best practices. This initiative is set to go live in Q1 FY25, featuring guest speakers from Westminster City Council, the Metropolitan Police, and the West End Security Group. Feedback from our retail levy payers has been very positive, reinforcing the BID’s commitment to delivering this forum.

Success of the January Day of Action

Our January Day of Action was a great success. Arrests were made, and illegal e-bikes were seized. Unlicensed Big Issue sellers were removed, and we engaged with the homeless community to offer support. We also shared intelligence with City Inspectors and the Metropolitan Police on key crime hotspots. In addition, illegal roll-on/roll-off skips were removed, and enforcement action was taken against waste left on the streets outside of collection times.

Our Security Team’s Impact

Strengthening Safety and Business Resilience in Harley Street

This year, our security team has already made a significant difference:

• 93 rough sleepers supported and guided to resources
• 4,712 proactive security street checks conducted
• 1,090 security welfare visits carried out for businesses

Reflecting on 2024, we conducted joint operations with the New West End Company, Metropolitan Police, and Westminster City Council, tackling anti-social behaviour, issuing numerous CPWs (Community Protection Warnings), and installing CCTV. The team also:

• Reported 333 rough sleepers
• Dealt with and reported 49 incidents of anti-social behaviour
• Conducted 38,431 proactive security report
• Carried out 11,995 security welfare visits

By working closely with our partners, we are ensuring that everyone who visits, works, or lives in the area feels safe and secure.

Maintaining a Clean and Welcoming Environment

A safe and resilient district also requires clean, well-maintained public spaces. This year, our cleansing team has:

• Reported 19 environmental issues
• Swept 725 blocks
• Collected 252 bags of litter and 71 bags of recycling
• Jet-washed 650 square metres of pavements
• Removed 149 instances of graffiti and flyposting

In 2024, our impact was even greater:

• Over 3,192 public interactions
• 8,206 blocks swept
• 1,186 instances of graffiti and flyposting removed

We remain committed to ensuring that Harley Street continues to be a clean, professional, and welcoming district for businesses and visitors alike.

Ongoing Training and Business Support

We are dedicated to strengthening business resilience through ongoing training and support, including:

• First Aid, AED, and Fire training
• Conflict management and counter-terrorism (ACT) operational training
• Bicycle marking initiatives to deter theft
• Installation of a public defibrillator and bleed control kit
• Expansion of our Emergency Notification System, with over 241 notifications broadcast to date
• Support for retailers through the GDPR-compliant Shopwatch channel on Marylebone High Street

By equipping businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to operate safely, we are fostering a proactive and supportive environment that enables businesses to thrive.

Get Involved

At the Harley Street BID, we are proud to work alongside our incredible businesses and partner agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. By embracing innovation and collaboration, we are shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for Harley Street.

For more information or to get involved, email me at ashley@harleystreetbid.com.

Together, we are creating a safer, stronger, and more resilient Harley Street.