London’s Predatory Offender Units Smash 2,150 High-Harm Criminals
Since launching last November, the Met’s Predatory Offender Units (POU) have arrested over 2,150 dangerous criminals. The haul includes 1,312 for domestic abuse, 378 for sex offences, and 115 for child abuse.
Cutting-Edge Tactics Bring Violent Offenders to Heel
The 12 POU teams, made up of 90 elite officers, work closely with the Met’s Public Protection squads and other agencies across the UK. They use phone intel, CCTV, and ANPR technology to home in on London’s most violent predators. So far, they’ve secured 154 Judicial Restrictions and executed 175 search warrants. Each Basic Command Unit (BCU) has a dedicated POU team focused on smashing violent crime.
Real-Life Heroics Save Victims and Nab Serial Abusers
A female domestic abuse survivor from East London praised the force: “On the hardest day of my life, the police’s support gave me the strength to see justice done.”
In North London, POU officers traced and arrested a serial domestic abuser thanks to relentless teamwork with the Communication Intelligence Unit and Public Protection arrest teams. One officer tracked down a wanted violent offender by personally scouting hotels. Both suspects are now remanded, awaiting trial.
Met Commander Vows to Keep Up the Pressure on Violent Crime
Commander Melanie Dales, lead for Public Protection, said: “Tackling violent offences remains our top priority. These offenders commit horrendous crimes—from domestic abuse to human trafficking. The pandemic exposed victims to even greater risks. Our teams have supercharged the Met’s ability to prevent and disrupt these crimes, and we will maintain this intensity.”
She urged those at risk or worried about someone else to step forward and contact the police.
Cutting-Edge Training and Online Reporting Step Up Support for Victims
The Met has trained over 3,000 frontline officers through the new Domestic Abuse Matters programme, launched last month in partnership with SafeLives. This training helps officers spot coercive control, understand abuser tactics, and gather vital evidence.
Sophie Linden, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, added: “We are determined to support victims and bring offenders to justice. The POU teams are delivering strong results. If you feel unsafe, please report it. Your voice will be heard and investigated.”
Since launching in late June, the Met’s dedicated domestic abuse online reporting system has received 375 reports—proof victims are gaining confidence to come forward.
