People would expect highest of security measures at London's royal palaces. However, "astonishing" statistic recently released revealed that in past three years, hundreds of crimes have taken place in or near royal households, with majority going unpunished. London's Metropolitan Police reported that 470 offences were recorded at Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, St James' Palace and Clarence House between 2019 and 2021. The latter abode is home to Charles, Prince of Wales, who is heir to British throne. crimes included arson, theft, drugs possession, robbery, and violence against person. Less than one per cent of crimes led to anyone being cautioned, fined or charged.
Dai Davies, former Head of Royal Protection, said number of crimes reported was "frightening". He told Britain's Sky News: "If you can steal or cause incidents at or near royals, what does that say about current security? If these offences have impact on personal safety of royals, that would give me great concern." The Metropolitan Police replied: "The Met has responsibility for security in and around royal palaces, but we will not comment on matters relating to security." It added: "The majority of offences committed at or within vicinity of palaces were thefts. Officers will always endeavour to pursue all viable and proportionate lines of enquiry."
