Tijs Broeke

Talking Crime & Policing in the Square Mile: An Interview with Tijs Broeke

Councillor Tom Sleigh recently sat down with Tijs Broeke, Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, to discuss crime, policing, and public safety in the Square Mile.

Keeping the City Safe

Tijs explained his role as Chair, ensuring police accountability and that the voices of residents and businesses are heard. While the City remains statistically the safest place in the country, phone snatching has been a growing concern across London.

To tackle this, the City of London Police launched a dedicated cycle squad, allowing officers to respond swiftly to incidents. Since its introduction, phone snatching has dropped by 25%.

Supporting Rough Sleepers & Tackling Aggressive Begging

Rough sleeping has increased significantly in recent years, and the City’s police work closely with social services and housing teams to provide support. Initiatives like the one led by Councillor Ben Murphy in Bishopsgate focus on investing in services for homeless people, including substance misuse support.

Aggressive begging, particularly around Liverpool Street, is another challenge. Some individuals are linked to criminal gangs, and police patrols have been stepped up to identify those in need of help versus those exploiting the system.

Stay Safe: Tips to Protect Your Phone

With phone theft still a widespread issue, here are some key tips to keep your device safe when out and about:

• Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas.

• Keep your phone out of sight when not in use.

• Be cautious when using your phone near roads or public transport.

• Enable tracking features like “Find My iPhone” or “Find My Device.”

• If your phone is stolen, report it immediately to the police and your network provider.

Watch the full interview with Tijs Broeke to learn more about how the City of London Police is working to keep the Square Mile safe.