Arrests had been made on Oxford Street after a post to “rob JD Sports” on social media went viral.
Retail Gazette saw more than five youths in handcuffs around Oxford Circus amid heightened police presence on the famous shopping street.
A social media post about the proposed looting was shared widely over the past few days.
The post urged people to follow a “dress code” of balaclavas and gloves and said “don’t come if you can’t run”.
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Although JD Sports was the target of the proposed looting, other retailers in the area were thought to be at risk.
A dispersal order was implemented in the area from 11am on Tuesday to 10am on Thursday, allowing police to ban individuals for 48 hours, according to The Daily Mail.
The Vision Express and Boots stores on the street were temporarily shut this afternoon as police carried out their work. Both shops have since reopened.
Earlier today, London mayor Sadiq Khan pleaded with people not to take part in the looting.
He said: “I am worried about this nonsense we have seen on TikTok encouraging people to go to Oxford Street.
“I’d encourage anybody who’s seen it not to go to Oxford Street. Do not allow yourself to be sucked into an area that could be high-crime area.”
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2 Comments. Leave new
I can understand Boots being closed as a precaution… But vision express? A bit shortsighted…
Pun intended