Licence renewal fear for crime hot spots

Bars and restaurants in London's West End could face police opposition to their licence renewal applications unless they take action to reduce theft.

The rise in handbag thefts and pickpocketing has prompted police to put more pressure on establishments to take more responsibility for protecting customers from petty crime.

Officially, police spokesmen would only say that some establishments are being "encouraged by crime prevention officers to upgrade security", but unofficially officers confirmed reports that some restaurants had been told their licences could ultimately be under threat.

"It's true that theft is more prevalent in some establishments than others, and what we aim to do is make restaurant owners and staff aware of action they can take," said a spokesman.