§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis giving the results of "Operation Leapfrog" arising from the crime prevention efforts involving officers of the Metropolitan Police special patrol group on the London Underground.
§ Mr. Brittan"Operation Leapfrog" was carried out by officers of the Metropolitan Police special patrol group travelling on the London Underground, and lasted for six weeks. I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that, whilst detailed statistics are not available, there was, during the period of the exercise, a considerable reduction in reported incidents of violence, damage and hooliganism.
I also understand that the London Transport staff, especially those working during the late evening, much appreciated the additional police presence and that the exercise reinforced the already close links between the British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police.
431WAlthough crime prevention was the main purpose of the exercise, during the six-week period the officers of the special patrol group engaged on "Operation Leapfrog" were responsible for 436 arrests, including 62 for theft, 14 for possession of offensive weapons, and 12 for robbery.