Police are stepping up patrols on Oxford Street today over a social media post advertising what appears to be an organised mass shoplifting event.
The Metropolitan Police says it will deploy a “significant number” of officers to the central London shopping street over the next 24 hours.
It comes after a picture appeared as a post on social media site TikTok promoting an organised “robbery” of an Oxford Street store, with a date, time and even a dress code.
“Don’t come if you can’t run,” the poster says. It also urges people not to bring weapons.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan described the post as “nonsense” and urged people not to go.
“The police understand why some people may be tempted to go to that part of London because of the TikTok (post),” he said.
“I’d encourage anybody who’s seen it not to go to Oxford Street. Do not allow yourself to be sucked into an area that could be high crime area.
“It won’t be (a high crime area) because the police work incredibly hard with the local community with the retailers in that part of London, and with those citizens who want to have a good day out on Oxford Street rather than being worried about that sort of nonsense.”
The Metropolitan Police say a dispersal order has been put in place until 10am on Thursday.
Read more from Sky News:
The front pages of today’s papers
Teenager charged after investigation into TikTok ‘prank’ videos
TikTok ‘must apologise’ to James Bulger’s family over ‘harrowing’ AI clips
The order gives police the powers to exclude people from the area for up to 48 hours.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the force wrote: “We are aware of online speculation about opportunities to commit crime around Oxford Street.
“There will be a significant number of our officers in the area over the next 24 hours. Anyone committing a crime can expect to be dealt with robustly.”
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said the force had been working “very closely” with its partners, including the New West End company which represents businesses in Oxford Street, to “ensure any criminal behaviour is dealt with quickly.”
Sky News has contacted TikTok for a response.
