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AKE Advises on Spreading Riot Violence

LONDON – Many are bracing for a fourth night of rioting in districts around the UK capital. Looting, petty crime and confrontation with the authorities spread to include a number of areas last night, with incidents in Hackney, Croydon, Lewisham, Camberwell, Clapham Junction, Ealing, Woolwich, Camden, and Enfield.

These areas, as well as other districts including Dalston, Streatham, Fulham, and Tooting, are likely to see further outbreaks of violence tonight. Similar incidents have also been reported in other urban areas across the country, including Liverpool, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Bristol and incidents look set to spread in the coming days.

There is no indication how long the unrest may continue, although the police have suggested that they may employ increasingly heavy-handed tactics, such as the use of baton rounds and armoured vehicles. The Home Secretary has indicated that more forceful measures, such as water cannon, will not be used. Up to 16,000 police personnel are expected to be deployed in London on the evening of 9 August but if they fail to contain the unrest it could escalate and spread to more districts.

Local retail businesses will remain the most common targets as violence continues across the city, but private residences will continue to be affected by arson. Emboldened rioters could also target larger assets if conditions worsen.

AKE has raised the risk rating for urban areas in the UK to AKE10 on Global Intake (http://www.globalintake.com). This rating denotes ‘Flashpoint’ status, indicating the likelihood of civil unrest, strikes and riots involving spontaneous violence.

AKE recommends personnel to minimise movements in affected areas, particularly after dark. Companies should consider sending employees home early, while police advice on the changing situation should also be heeded. Travel disruption should be expected while petty and opportunistic street crime (such as muggings) directed at individuals is also likely to rise while police resources are stretched.

Commercial property should be properly secured and residential areas should be assessed for fire safety measures. Personnel should review evacuation plans, stay in regular contact with colleagues and family, and have a grab bag (containing important documents and valuables), suitable footwear and warm clothing close to hand — particularly at night — if the need arises to get out of harm’s way at short notice.

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