Met Cracks Down Hard on Just Stop Oil Protest Chaos
The Met Police have launched a major crackdown to snare those planning reckless disruption. Their mission: stop protest chaos before it spins out of control.
Quick Arrests and a Growing Operation
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist revealed the rapid response: “Acting on intelligence, this operation is fast-moving and ongoing overnight with multiple arrests already made. So far this evening, three people linked to the disruption have been arrested.”
He added that officers suspect the protesters’ actions go far beyond lawful demonstrations. The target? Major motorway networks, with plans that risk serious public harm and widespread disruption.
Serious Charges and Police on High Alert
- Arrests made for conspiracy to cause public nuisance under Section 78 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
- Specialist teams and officers drawn from across London are mobilised to stop further trouble.
- Police urge the public to stay vigilant and call 999 if they spot suspicious behaviour or attempts at disruption.
Thousands of Officer Hours Spent on Protest Policing
Since October, over 10,000 officer shifts have been used policing Just Stop Oil protests. These are shifts pulled from tackling knife crime, burglaries, and safeguarding in local communities.
Assistant Commissioner Twist stressed: “We’re determined to bring to justice those who cause significant, unreasonable chaos or damage in London. The public expects it, and we’re working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and courts to ensure it happens.
