London Mayor Sadiq Khan has warned Londoners to avoid Oxford Street following a viral social media threat promoting a mass shoplifting event scheduled for Wednesday. He described the videos encouraging theft as “absurd” and urged both locals and tourists to stay away from the busy shopping area to prevent disorder.
In response to the social media activity, the Metropolitan Police have increased patrols in central London and are on high alert. The viral clips, particularly on TikTok, called for large-scale thefts, prompting swift police action.
To prevent disturbances, officers have imposed a 48-hour dispersal order starting at 11am on Tuesday. This order empowers police to remove anyone causing unrest or refusing to leave the area, with arrests planned for those who defy the directive.
Mayor Khan stated: “The police work diligently alongside the local community and retailers to ensure people enjoy their day on Oxford Street, not get caught up in this nonsense.”
The Metropolitan Police’s Westminster unit tweeted: “We are aware of online calls to commit crime around Oxford Street. Expect a significant police presence over the next 24 hours. Anyone caught will be dealt with robustly.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed that they are collaborating closely with partners such as the New West End Company to quickly address any issues arising from these online challenges.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. They emphasize that responsible social media use and community cooperation are essential to maintaining safety on Oxford Street during this tense period.
With social media increasingly influencing real-world behaviour, London officials are determined to prevent viral threats from disrupting the capital’s busiest shopping streets.
Originally published by UKNIP.
