This summer, the Metropolitan Police will increase their patrols at major music events in the city to enhance the safety of female attendees.

The police will maintain a more visible presence at 51 concerts across London as part of their efforts to combat violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Officers will collaborate with event organizers and security personnel to identify “predatory individuals within the crowd,” intervene in any incidents of violence, and respond promptly to any occurrences.

Beyoncé’s recent performances at Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium were among the first to implement this heightened police presence, resulting in the removal of suspected individuals for stalking and upskirting.

According to the Met, the number of scheduled stadium concerts in London this summer has doubled compared to last year, with an anticipated attendance of three million people at Wembley Stadium alone in the upcoming months.

Over 5,000 officer shifts will be specifically allocated for event patrols. Officers will also be visible at transport hubs and between venues, ready to assist any concert-goers who may need support.

This initiative forms part of a broader strategy by the Met, which utilizes data to monitor and target the most harmful offenders.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell, who oversees the project, stated: “Every woman and girl should feel safe—be it while returning home, using public transport, or enjoying a concert night out. Yet far too many do not experience this sense of safety. The Met is resolute in our mission to change that.”

He added, “Dedicated VAWG patrols will be active at various concerts throughout the summer, with officers trained to recognize predatory behavior in crowds and to take proactive measures to avert violence before it occurs.”

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, expressed her support, stating, “Women and girls have the right to safety and the assurance that they can feel secure anywhere in the capital. I’m pleased to see the Met take steps at summer concerts to prevent violent behavior, assist those in need, and act decisively against offenders.”

For further information, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell, who leads the Met’s V100 initiative, will be discussing this topic with Riz Lateef on BBC London’s breakfast show at 07:20 BST on June 20th.