From 1 April to 31 August, the Met have recorded 510 crimes relating to ULEZ cameras.

This includes approximately 159 reports of cameras being stolen and 351 cameras being damaged. To note a crime can include multiple offences.

Commander Owain Richards said: "These are clearly unacceptable acts of criminality and we have a team of officers investigating and identifying those responsible.

"We are providing a proportionate policing response, balancing these incidents against the wide range of operational demand and crime we must respond to across London."

The news comes as various posts on social media herald residents for decapitating ULEZ cameras or damaging them as locals are unhappy about the low-emission zone being expanded to outer London.

In August alone, 222 incidents relating to ULEZ cameras were reported.

Commander Richards added" "We are working closely with TfL and alongside our investigation into offences already committed we are supporting them identify new ways to prevent further cameras from being damaged or stolen.

"We are continually reviewing where we need to focus our efforts and we will continue to do that over the coming weeks to ensure we are providing the service Londoners expect from us."

In May, an operation was launched by the Met to ensure a proportionate approach and response was in place to react both proactively and reactively to any crimes.

The Met has, and continues to, treat criminal activity in relation to ULEZ seriously and has deployed considerable resources to our operation.

Where there are possible lines of enquiry, local investigators will follow up using a range of investigative approaches including CCTV trawls, witness searches and an assessment of forensic opportunities.

To date, Met investigations have led to the arrest of two individuals, one charged and bailed for trial to June 2024 and the other discontinued by the CPS.

The Met continue to monitor Anti-ULEZ protests to consider if bespoke policing plans are required. Some events have seen between 200 and 300 people attending.