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ver since its creation the City of London has had some form of protective security. Early Londinium was protected by a city wall constructed by the Romans to keep the ne’er-do-well Brits out. It is believed that its construction may have been connected to the invasion of


northern Britain by the Picts who overran Hadrian’s Wall.


Many historians also attribute the building of the London Wall with the political crisis that had emerged when two men – Septimius Severus and the governor of Britain, Clodius Albinus – claimed the right to succession as Emperor.


During the Romans’


occupation, they increased the wall’s overall construction and added fortifications to protect the inhabitants and London’s port access on the River Thames. Following the


Roman occupation, every member of the community had a role to play in ensuring the security of the City. This included the inception of wards within the


city. Community involvement is as important today as it was hundreds of years ago.


As many will recall, the City of London has been a target for acts of terrorism against businesses between the 1970s and 1990s from attacks by the IRA and PIRA.


The response from this was the development of the Ring of Steel and the creation of the first Automatic Number Plate Reading (ANPR) system to mitigate vehicle-borne threats, which was developed here in the City.


ANPR is now used across the entire planet. Many will have seen our police officers standing alone at entry points situated on all of the main routes into the city, inspecting cars as they enter. This was the Ring of Steel as of 20 years ago, and to all intents and purposes that’s exactly where we are today.


Over the past 20 years the City itself has not stood still. The City of London is the hub of European and international banking. It now accounts for 4% of UK GDP. It is Europe’s top technology start up centre. The City as a major tourist destination attracts some 4 million visitors a year and is one of the most visited cities in the world. In recent years the City has developed a vibrant night-time economy that requires diverse police resources for policing anti-social behaviour and violent crime.


And the City continues to grow and develop: Universal Security Systems


• In 2013 the City contributed £48.7bn to UK GVA (Gross Value Added), representing 15.2% of Greater London’s economic output.


• The City is growing, with employment forecast to rise by 41,000 jobs during 2014-2023.


• Crossrail is expected to bring approximately 991,000 additional people into the City every year.


• The number of diplomatic premises is increasing; four have opened in the City in the last 12 months.


• There are now 764 licensed premises in the City


• There are 11 tube stations and 7 over- ground stations


• There a number of Universities and 5 schools


The 7/7 London attacks, the recent atrocities in Paris, Denmark and Canada constantly remind us that London is still a high profile target. As a result, over the last 2 years City of London Police (CoLP)


Providing Excellence through Partnerships


Electronic Security - Global System Solution Specialist www.universal-security.com Tel: 020 7511 8080


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