0:00:02 > 0:00:04It's the most famous shopping street in the world,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07in the heart of Britain's capital city.
0:00:07 > 0:00:12A mile and a half long, with 30 million visitors each year.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15With some of the world's most famous shops, biggest stars...
0:00:15 > 0:00:17- Kate Moss!- Whoo!
0:00:17 > 0:00:19..and busiest stations.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21Sorry, guys, stand back for me.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25What does it take to keep it running 24 hours a day...
0:00:25 > 0:00:27Busiest street in the world so it needs constant attention.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29..seven days a week?
0:00:29 > 0:00:30Right, clear off!
0:00:30 > 0:00:33You're going to be arrested on suspicion of attempted theft.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35Are you ready, London?
0:00:35 > 0:00:38A street that never sleeps.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41This sort of thing wouldn't happen anywhere else.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Coming up - fare dodgers on Oxford Street.
0:00:50 > 0:00:51What you've done there's an offence.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Disputes break out...
0:00:53 > 0:00:55BLEEP!
0:00:55 > 0:00:57..as ticket inspectors crack down.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Is there any reason why you didn't buy your own ticket?
0:01:00 > 0:01:02It's jingle bells for a new Christmas musical.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04SIRENS BLARE
0:01:04 > 0:01:06And opening night's a riot.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Well, I'm concerned. That sleigh could become a target.
0:01:14 > 0:01:19Oxford Street sees some 250 buses pass down it an hour.
0:01:19 > 0:01:24And its four Tube stations are some of the busiest on the network.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29Most of the millions of shoppers and commuters who come to the street
0:01:29 > 0:01:31on public transport pay their way...
0:01:31 > 0:01:32Lovely, thank you.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34..but there are some that don't.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40Fare evasion is estimated to cost Transport For London
0:01:40 > 0:01:42more than £70 million a year.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47Catching and stopping evaders has become a priority.
0:01:47 > 0:01:52And TfL now employs 500 inspectors across London's Tube and bus network.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58It's a difficult job, with staff regularly facing surliness,
0:01:58 > 0:02:00antagonism, or even worse.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08Working Bond Street and Oxford Circus Tube stations today,
0:02:08 > 0:02:12Scott Waring and Dan Middleherst are in plain clothes
0:02:12 > 0:02:15and keeping a close eye out for evaders.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19There's no set, erm, description of a fare evader.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22It could be anyone, it could be everyone.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25They're here to spot people doubling through the barriers.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28But they've also set them to flash and identify people
0:02:28 > 0:02:31going through using discounted fares.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36Passes with discounts are the most commonly misused.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39This man has a valid armed services veterans card,
0:02:39 > 0:02:41entitling him to free travel.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43He matches the photo on the card
0:02:43 > 0:02:47but, just a few moments later, Dan has stopped another man,
0:02:47 > 0:02:49with a disabled pass, who doesn't.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51Have you got any proof of ID with you?
0:02:51 > 0:02:54Just cos your photograph's really erm...
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- It's your brother's?- Yeah. - Why are you using your brother's?
0:02:57 > 0:03:00OK, just come back through, I'll ask you some questions, yeah,
0:03:00 > 0:03:02we won't be long.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05The man admits he's using a disabled Freedom Pass
0:03:05 > 0:03:07that belongs to someone else.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10On the buses, anyone without a ticket is at fault.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14On the Tube, inspectors have to prove intent to evade a fare,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17and so they like to ask some questions.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21You're being reported for the offence of fare evasion.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24You're not under arrest. You're not obliged to remain with me,
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- you're free to leave if you wish to go.- OK, yeah.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- OK, do you understand the caution? - Yeah, fine.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32You can, yeah.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37OK. We may need to call you in for another interview further.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39So you understand the facts will be reported, yeah?
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- You may be prosecuted for this. - OK, fine.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45Inspectors aren't police, and can't detain people to question them,
0:03:45 > 0:03:48but the man has already admitted the offence.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51He's using a disabled Freedom Pass. It's pretty worn,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54looks like it's been through the washing machine a few times.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56It's not an ideal situation
0:03:56 > 0:03:59because I'd rather continue interviewing him,
0:03:59 > 0:04:00about where he got the pass,
0:04:00 > 0:04:03how long he's been using it. Erm...
0:04:03 > 0:04:06But, unfortunately, it's his right to leave.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08So he's exercised that right to leave.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11Soon after, Dan spots someone trying to double their way
0:04:11 > 0:04:14through the ticket gates, behind someone else,
0:04:14 > 0:04:15to avoid paying.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18See what you've done there is an offence.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20The man seems to see the funny side of things.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30If you would've had a valid ticket, you wouldn't be in this trouble now, would you?
0:04:30 > 0:04:34- I know.- And you'd still be getting her number.- Yeah.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39This man's brief encounter has ended up costing him at least £40.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46With an annual Tube travel card costing up to £3,336 a year,
0:04:46 > 0:04:51the temptation to take advantage of free or discounted rates is strong.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Scott has stopped another man using someone else's student pass.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58Why are you using your sister's ticket?
0:05:00 > 0:05:02But the ticket's not transferable,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05it's solely for your sister to use, because it's a discounted ticket.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08You're not entitled to discounted travel, are you?
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- No.- So do you agree
0:05:10 > 0:05:13that you've avoided the full fare for your journey this morning?
0:05:13 > 0:05:14Yes.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18Dan and Scott have caught three people evading already this morning,
0:05:18 > 0:05:21but all three have taken it on the chin.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23However, above ground, on the buses,
0:05:23 > 0:05:28things are not so straightforward for Lincoln Stuart and Beata Wall.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30You haven't got a valid ticket for your journey,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33so what I need to do is take some details.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37This couple have only one validated Oyster card between them,
0:05:37 > 0:05:41but the woman claims the driver told them to board anyway.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Beata wants to check at the next stop,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45but before she gets the chance...
0:05:45 > 0:05:49Unfortunately... Hello, sir? I need to, erm...
0:05:49 > 0:05:51..they get off.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56Yeah, I'm not supposed to follow people off the bus.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00It's illegal to refuse to provide your details to a bus inspector,
0:06:00 > 0:06:04but they have no powers to detain you.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07All I'm going to do is submit a report to TfL, and this card.
0:06:07 > 0:06:12And, hopefully, they'll be able to obtain details at a later date.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16They might have got off, but if the Oyster card is registered,
0:06:16 > 0:06:18TfL may soon be in touch.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Later, for the revenue inspectors,
0:06:23 > 0:06:25it's disgruntled customers...
0:06:25 > 0:06:27She stormed off the bus, stomping her feet.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29..aggression...
0:06:29 > 0:06:31BLEEP!
0:06:31 > 0:06:33..and even worse.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Pushed his way through the gates so there's bite marks.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Christmas comes early to Oxford Street.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51And, at the Dominion Theatre, this year, it's even earlier than usual.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54October, to be exact.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58In ten days' time, the theatre's biggest show of the year opens -
0:06:58 > 0:07:01a musical version of the hit Hollywood movie Elf,
0:07:01 > 0:07:03starring Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Rehearsals are entering their final phases,
0:07:08 > 0:07:12and the show will open with a gala press performance.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15David Pearson is the theatre's general manager.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17On opening night, it's tradition, it's the press night.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20Erm, so this is the night all the press come and they review the show.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22So everybody, from our front of house staff,
0:07:22 > 0:07:25through to our box office staff, everybody is focused
0:07:25 > 0:07:28on making sure the experience is great for the audience.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32The man with the most at stake, is the show's producer Michael Rose.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- Hello.- Hello.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- How are you?- Good to see you, good to see you.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42So we need to do a walk-round this morning, erm, regarding press night.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46OK. We know we're going to get some top celebrities, in fact,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48we're being bombarded with requests
0:07:48 > 0:07:51because of the sort of show that it is.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55And I think most of the Girls Aloud people are coming to see Kimberley.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58Erm... Along with a whole host of other celebrities
0:07:58 > 0:08:01that I would have to kill you if I told you about.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07To get the theatre looking good for the opening,
0:08:07 > 0:08:10they've hired a team of specialist Christmas decorators
0:08:10 > 0:08:13to sprinkle a bit of magic in the foyer.
0:08:20 > 0:08:25I basically bring Christmas to all interiors, anywhere.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Everything is obviously tested at the workshop
0:08:31 > 0:08:32before we come to the site.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36So I'm confident that it's all going to light up.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38He-e-ey!
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Keep on moving it... Stop.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43"Stop", yeah?
0:08:49 > 0:08:52And no celebrity premiere would be complete
0:08:52 > 0:08:55without the instant glamour of a red carpet.
0:08:59 > 0:09:00The carpet might be laid,
0:09:00 > 0:09:04but it's in danger from a meteorological condition.
0:09:04 > 0:09:05And it isn't snow.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09We're just thinking, shall we just put a tape in here? No.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13Well, because of the rain, the tape won't stick obviously.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16It won't stick down if it's wet, no, but if you...
0:09:16 > 0:09:20- if it's against the rails, we should be OK.- Yeah.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Erm...it took a lot of work to get it right, but, yeah... Success.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Success, Dave!
0:09:27 > 0:09:30The show doesn't start for another two hours,
0:09:30 > 0:09:32but already the fans are getting in place.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36And there's one person in particular they're hoping to see.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Waiting for Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, so...
0:09:39 > 0:09:40I love Cheryl.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45No, I do! I'm obsessed.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48In the foyer, the excitement is reaching fever pitch.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Usually, with nights like tonight,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53you don't really know who's going to be coming in. So it is quite...
0:09:53 > 0:09:57I think I've got the best shift here in the whole building.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59Although I've been told I'm not allowed on the red carpet.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02But, I suppose, no-one wants to take a picture of me anyway,
0:10:02 > 0:10:03so there you go.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06The celebrities and public begin arriving.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09There are presenters,
0:10:09 > 0:10:10TV doctors,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13I haven't felt Christmas-y up until this point...
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- Right now.- ..and, now suddenly, I'm kind of like... - Literally, right now.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- ..I'm thinking about presents, Santa...- Tinsel.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20And even a Spice Girl.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- Hello, mate.- Hello, gorgeous, how you doing? Mwah! Are you well?
0:10:23 > 0:10:25Ladies and gentlemen, if you could carry on inside,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28the show will begin in about 31 seconds!
0:10:28 > 0:10:29- Hiya.- Hey, how you doing?
0:10:29 > 0:10:33Right, so it's down the middle aisle, on the left-hand side.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,
0:10:35 > 0:10:41pixies and elves, welcome to this performance of Elf: The Musical.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45But staff are still waiting for some expected celebrities.
0:10:45 > 0:10:46FANS SHOUT
0:10:46 > 0:10:48I think Cheryl's arrived.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51The show started a few minutes ago, but she's arrived now.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- Cheryl!- Cheryl!- Cheryl!
0:10:55 > 0:10:57I'm so sorry.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Missed a little bit of it, but she'll be on in time for
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Kimberley's first scene, so that's the main thing.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04It was worth it, to see her.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07And if she stops after then it'll be worth it. If not, then maybe not.
0:11:07 > 0:11:08Cos I'm a bit cold.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11When I say "a bit", I'm literally freezing.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14With Cheryl and Nicola Roberts taking their seats,
0:11:14 > 0:11:16it should be time for the team to relax a bit,
0:11:16 > 0:11:18but, today, they can't.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22They've got two more celebrities on their way for a major photoshoot.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27Later, Rudolph's ready,
0:11:27 > 0:11:31but will an anti-capitalist riot dampen the Christmas spirit?
0:11:41 > 0:11:43Hello.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48The problem of homelessness and rough sleeping is a complex one,
0:11:48 > 0:11:50but Oxford Street suffers its fair share.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54On the street itself, a concerted effort by local police
0:11:54 > 0:11:58and support groups has moved most rough sleepers away.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- Begging? No.- Don't beg.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05But there's a continuing problem at Marble Arch, at the West End.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09It's Oxford Street's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, that.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11Can't be kipping up there, mate.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15We've seen before the problem with Eastern European rough sleepers,
0:12:15 > 0:12:19newly arrived at the UK, congregating at the Marble Arch landmark
0:12:19 > 0:12:23because it's where their coaches first stop in central London.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27As you can see, we have a problem.
0:12:27 > 0:12:32PC Andy Pescot, ward officer for the area, has fought a long,
0:12:32 > 0:12:33and, at times, fraught,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36battle to keep this famous landmark clear for people to enjoy.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39This is the tourist hub
0:12:39 > 0:12:42and this is where we've got to be seen to enforce it,
0:12:42 > 0:12:44more than anywhere else.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48And the holiday makers, local businesses and local residents
0:12:48 > 0:12:53don't want to see 50 to 60 Roma Gypsies sitting at Marble Arch
0:12:53 > 0:12:57with all their bedding, suitcases and the litter,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00the urination and defecation that comes with that.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02SIRENS SOUND
0:13:02 > 0:13:06He's just had word that yesterday a coach arrived
0:13:06 > 0:13:08and dropped off another sizeable group of people
0:13:08 > 0:13:10who are staying in the park.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12The name of the person you are...
0:13:12 > 0:13:16He wants to move them on using 48-hour dispersal notices
0:13:16 > 0:13:18to ban them from the area.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Today, he's not on his own.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24We've had reports that there is an increased number
0:13:24 > 0:13:25congregating in that area.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Myself, a number of other officers, along with Westminster City Council,
0:13:28 > 0:13:32the cleaning team and two remaining police officers
0:13:32 > 0:13:35are going to be going up to Marble Arch.
0:13:35 > 0:13:36..for them to understand...
0:13:36 > 0:13:39The Romanian police will act as translators.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43I'm going to explain to them why I'm doing what I'm doing,
0:13:43 > 0:13:48the grounds, the reasons and what will happen if they breach it.
0:13:52 > 0:13:53Andy heads out.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58I've been reliably informed that, at the moment,
0:13:58 > 0:14:02there's approximately 20 Roma Gypsy sat at Marble Arch.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04So we'll see what we got when we get there.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07On arrival, the group of rough sleepers have congregated
0:14:07 > 0:14:09in the park.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11And are surrounded by their belongings.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13Andy gets to work.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Looks like they're washing.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Come with me! Over here!
0:14:20 > 0:14:23The scale of the problem is immediately apparent.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27There's a lot of mess and it will all need cleaning up.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31Speaks for itself, doesn't it? It speaks volumes. Disgusting.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36Disgusting. A tourist attraction, the middle of London.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38So I'm going to take authority on this now.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43- OK. Shout when I shout, OK?- OK.
0:14:43 > 0:14:44- ANDY SHOUTS:- Listen in!
0:14:44 > 0:14:47POLICE OFFICER SPEAKS IN ROMANIAN
0:14:47 > 0:14:49Everybody, get your documents.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53Your travel document and your ID card out now! Over here.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56And keep them in the air till an officer collects them.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00Recently arrived people from EU member states
0:15:00 > 0:15:03have the right to live and work in the UK,
0:15:03 > 0:15:07but they don't have the right to sleep rough at famous landmarks,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10as they're about to find out.
0:15:10 > 0:15:15Due to ongoing antisocial behaviour, caused by you as a group...
0:15:15 > 0:15:20POLICE OFFICER TRANSLATES IN ROMANIAN
0:15:20 > 0:15:24..by rough sleeping in large numbers in doorways,
0:15:24 > 0:15:27by urinating and defecating in public places,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30and by begging on the streets for two days...
0:15:30 > 0:15:31POLICE OFFICER TRANSLATES
0:15:31 > 0:15:34..there is a dispersal in place.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37If you return, you will be liable to arrest.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40We are no longer tolerating your behaviour.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44The news sinks in with the group.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48Either conform to treaty rights, or leave.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52As you can see, my colleagues are currently issuing the Section 35 dispersals.
0:15:52 > 0:15:58We've highlighted the complete area in which the dispersal applies to,
0:15:58 > 0:15:59so there can be no confusion
0:15:59 > 0:16:03as to which areas they can and cannot enter.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06Many Roma people say they come to the UK
0:16:06 > 0:16:10to escape prejudice and hardship in their own country.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12They say they also find it hard to get work
0:16:12 > 0:16:14because their English is often poor.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19While PC Pescot gives out dispersal notices,
0:16:19 > 0:16:22the other teams he's brought with him get busy doing their bit...
0:16:22 > 0:16:24SHE SPEAKS ROMANIAN
0:16:24 > 0:16:29..including Stephen Large, the environmental manager for the area.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31It's a famous landmark
0:16:31 > 0:16:34and it's literally just being mashed with the amount of litter,
0:16:34 > 0:16:38the bedding, the aggressive begging that we have here.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41It's just endless. And, you know,
0:16:41 > 0:16:42we need something done about it really.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47But, as the clean team do their stuff,
0:16:47 > 0:16:49on the far side of the square,
0:16:49 > 0:16:52one woman fears her bag is being taken in the clean up.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55SHE SPEAKS ROMANIAN
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- A small bag?- Yeah, yeah, a small bag.- What colour is it?
0:16:57 > 0:17:00THEY SPEAK ROMANIAN
0:17:00 > 0:17:02I think they've chucked the bag in.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04She's got it now.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Thank you very much. Thank you, thank you.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10Finally, after an hour and a half, the park is cleared
0:17:10 > 0:17:13but Andy's concerned where the rough sleepers will go next.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17Just for your information,
0:17:17 > 0:17:22we've dispersed approximately 20 Roma for 48 hours.
0:17:22 > 0:17:23Unfortunately for yourselves,
0:17:23 > 0:17:26it looks like they're all heading into Hyde Park.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30I have informed the police officers in the park,
0:17:30 > 0:17:32so you make sure you tell all your friends
0:17:32 > 0:17:34they are to come out of Hyde Park.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36POLICE OFFICERS CONFER OVER RADIO
0:17:36 > 0:17:38If they leave any bags in the bushes,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40we will remove those bags and destroy them.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42CLEAN UP TEAM CHATTER
0:17:42 > 0:17:44It's not a pleasant job for Andy,
0:17:44 > 0:17:48but some local workers want him to know how they feel about the problem.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51I just work in the office here and I see them everyday.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54I was really happy to see that today,
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- you're getting rid of them, hopefully.- Glad we can help.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59I'm really glad and I hope you'll be able to get rid of them.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- Good luck.- Bye-bye.- Bye-bye.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05For Andy, it's been a successful operation.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07As you can see, behind me,
0:18:07 > 0:18:11it's now clear of Roma Gypsy bags and rubbish.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14When we first arrived, it was appalling.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16And, for 48 hours at least,
0:18:16 > 0:18:20people can sit here and enjoy the location, enjoy their lunches
0:18:20 > 0:18:22without the rubbish,
0:18:22 > 0:18:24without everything else that goes along with it,
0:18:24 > 0:18:26the antisocial behaviour.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39Revenue inspectors are still hunting for fare evaders
0:18:39 > 0:18:42on Oxford Street's buses and Tube stations.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46They've already stopped a number of people
0:18:46 > 0:18:48travelling without valid tickets
0:18:48 > 0:18:52and made themselves unpopular in certain quarters in the process.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57Also working the Oxford Street buses today
0:18:57 > 0:18:59are Miles Chambers and Rennick Cox
0:18:59 > 0:19:03but on the top deck of one bus they think they've been spotted.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08The man in the leather jacket got off the bus in a hurry
0:19:08 > 0:19:10when he saw the inspectors get on.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20And when they get off at the next stop the man is there.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23He takes exception to our camera.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- Don't point the camera! Don't- BLEEP - point it at me!- Calm down.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29Are you stupid or what?
0:19:29 > 0:19:31I'll smash it. Want me to smash it?
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- I'll smash your- BLEEP- camera.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- Leave man alone, he ain't done nothing!- I'm telling you!
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Leave him alone, you stupid man.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42That's what we come across on a day-to-day basis.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44Miles and Rennick laugh the incident off
0:19:44 > 0:19:47but it's an all-too-regular occurrence.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51Recent figures show a 44% rise in workplace assaults
0:19:51 > 0:19:54suffered by train and bus staff since 2011
0:19:54 > 0:19:58and the revenue inspectors are all too often at the sharp end.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00I would say we get it quite often
0:20:00 > 0:20:03but, in terms of the opposite side of the scale,
0:20:03 > 0:20:05so the really friendly customers,
0:20:05 > 0:20:08I'd say they outweigh that type of male.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12Transport for London take a zero-tolerance approach
0:20:12 > 0:20:14to staff harassment of any sort.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19Underground revenue inspector Dan knows
0:20:19 > 0:20:23all about the kind of aggression he and his team can face.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Recently, having stopped someone for dodging his fair,
0:20:26 > 0:20:28he was subjected to a vicious assault.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34Pushed his way through the gates and then, er, proceeded to kick off.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37There's a couple of the images of the bite marks
0:20:37 > 0:20:39and the resulting bruising.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43They show you the state of my fleece.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45Stuff that you have to go through as well,
0:20:45 > 0:20:48you know, you have to be tested for HIV and, erm...
0:20:48 > 0:20:50hepatitis as well.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53And then you have to have a six-month checkup again after,
0:20:53 > 0:20:56so, yeah, it just gives you an idea of sometimes how the job can...
0:20:56 > 0:20:59you know, one minute can be OK and then it turns.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04The man who assaulted him was later given a 14-month prison sentence.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10Back on patrol, Dan's hoping for a quieter evening.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12On the other side of the station,
0:21:12 > 0:21:17Scott has stopped another man using a Freedom Pass that isn't his.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- Where did you get the Freedom Pass? - I found it on the floor.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24So do you accept by using the Freedom Pass
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- you're avoiding the fare for your journey?- Yeah.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30The pass entitles a pensioner to free travel.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33It can now be returned to its rightful owner.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35The man's details are taken
0:21:35 > 0:21:38and he leaves. He'll be expecting a letter from TfL shortly.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44The ticket has got an expiry date of 31 March 2020, so, potentially,
0:21:44 > 0:21:47if we hadn't have stopped him today, he could have been using that
0:21:47 > 0:21:49until that time.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52But Dan and Scott suspect the man might have been using
0:21:52 > 0:21:54the pass for a long time.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58They want to investigate further, and head to the station's control room.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- Er, Gate 75.- There he is.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- Yeah.- Is that him? - I'm sure that was him.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06They can see when the pass was used
0:22:06 > 0:22:09and, with over 200 cameras in the station,
0:22:09 > 0:22:12they can see him every time he's used it.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- There he is. Yeah. - It's him in the baseball cap?- Yeah.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Their investigations show the man has indeed been trying to
0:22:19 > 0:22:22pass himself off as a pensioner for some time,
0:22:22 > 0:22:25saving himself significant amounts of money.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29He said to me, under caution, that he'd been using it
0:22:29 > 0:22:33for about two weeks, so that would tie in with that as well.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37Dan and Scott below ground and Miles and Rennick above
0:22:37 > 0:22:40continue their shifts long into the evening.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44I did actually put the card on the thing.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46But it obviously didn't go through
0:22:46 > 0:22:49because that must have blocked it, so it was a pure accident.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54I'm going to have to issue you with a penalty fare, OK?
0:22:54 > 0:22:58She actually stormed off the bus, stomping her feet as she got off.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02Every day dealing with fare evaders is a challenge
0:23:02 > 0:23:04but they think they've been successful.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08We've had a few happy customers, a few...disgruntled customers,
0:23:08 > 0:23:12but overall we've provided a... a good service.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14So it shows you the type of people you can come across
0:23:14 > 0:23:16on the lovely, lovely Oxford Street.
0:23:24 > 0:23:25At the Dominion Theatre,
0:23:25 > 0:23:29it's opening night for West End Christmas show Elf: The Musical.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31The celebrities have arrived.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34And the show's up and running.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39But while the performance is going on, staff are getting ready
0:23:39 > 0:23:42for a key promotional event at the front of the theatre.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45We'll prepare the reindeer.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48Right, so I need to pull into there, don't I?
0:23:48 > 0:23:51Nobody really knows about them, so I think it's going to be a surprise
0:23:51 > 0:23:54as people leave the theatre and see those reindeers outside.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56I think it's going to be quite special.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58We've come from near Market Harborough,
0:23:58 > 0:24:01where we have a farm with a herd of reindeer, erm,
0:24:01 > 0:24:04and we're going to take the leading lady and the leading man
0:24:04 > 0:24:07to an afterparty and a press night.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11To get to the afterparty, the reindeer and sleigh
0:24:11 > 0:24:14will need to travel to the other end of Oxford Street.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18The problem is, the show organisers didn't count on the fact
0:24:18 > 0:24:20there's an anti-capitalist protest
0:24:20 > 0:24:23happening just a mile and a half away
0:24:23 > 0:24:25which threatens to spread to Oxford Street.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Well, we have got the Million Mask March
0:24:28 > 0:24:30which is going on as well, this evening.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33And there is still potential for some disorder.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36Erm, which could spill over to where we are.
0:24:36 > 0:24:37If it is going to affect us,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40what I'm concerned about is that that sleigh could become a target.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44By 10pm the show's over and the audience spills out.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49Absolutely amazing, loved every second of it.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51It couldn't have gone better tonight,
0:24:51 > 0:24:53it's just a magical atmosphere.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55I'm just so relieved!
0:24:55 > 0:24:59But, outside, the reindeer ride is causing concern.
0:25:06 > 0:25:07Right, OK.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10So we just need to have a word with them, because we've said, yes,
0:25:10 > 0:25:13we can do this, but we need to do it now.
0:25:18 > 0:25:19Right, OK.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Right, from our control room, he's happy for it to go ahead
0:25:22 > 0:25:25but it has to happen now, or very, very soon.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31- Right, OK.- But we can do it now, but if we do it we've got to do it now.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33David makes a big decision.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37We're not going down Oxford Street, we're going to go around the corner and that's it.
0:25:37 > 0:25:38Brilliant. I'll let them know.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40Life on Oxford Street, eh?
0:25:41 > 0:25:44With the decision made to divert from Oxford Street,
0:25:44 > 0:25:47theatre staff can relax at least a bit.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50But they've still got to wait for stars Kimberley Walsh
0:25:50 > 0:25:52and Ben Forster to appear.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54So we're going ahead in five minutes.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00The real stars of the show make their appearance bang on time.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04These two are my most experienced reindeer.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- Excuse me.- Oh. Excuse me. - Excuse me, please.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10We're just waiting for the stars, for our passengers,
0:26:10 > 0:26:13but that's fine, we can do that, we can still create the spectacle,
0:26:13 > 0:26:16and that's what we're going to do.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Good boy. Good boy.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- Do we know how soon we'll be ready to move off?- I'll find out now.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23Oh, right, cos I'll update them. All right, thanks.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- They're on their way. - They're on the way?
0:26:25 > 0:26:27All right, excellent, thanks.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31- They're on the way now.- Right.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33As soon as she comes down, they'll move off onto the road,
0:26:33 > 0:26:36we're going to follow, and then we'll hold the traffic back
0:26:36 > 0:26:38while they make progress up the road.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41Another five minutes? OK, I'll let them know.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44I've just decided the reindeer are going to get in the sleigh
0:26:44 > 0:26:47and Kimberley and Ben are going to pull them.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49For taking so long.
0:26:49 > 0:26:50A lady will always keep you waiting.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54But, just when everyone was about to give up,
0:26:54 > 0:26:57show stars Ben Forster and Kimberley Walsh appear.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01Oh, well. Greatest of plans and all that. We got there.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05- I think they all walked away getting excited for Christmas, and that's all we wanted, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08- It's really quite exciting. I want to go pet the reindeers.- Me too.
0:27:08 > 0:27:09I'm going to go pet the reindeers.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12Where's the red nose? I want to see his red nose.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19And, with that, they're away,
0:27:19 > 0:27:22bringing a little Christmas magic as they dash through the rain.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26See you, then, everybody. Bye!
0:27:28 > 0:27:30On a little bit, Charlie, on a little bit.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32Having a lead reindeer gives them the herd instinct,
0:27:32 > 0:27:36he's following the tail of the one in front, so...all's going well.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40The cast and crew can head on to the afterparty,
0:27:40 > 0:27:43the paparazzi hot on their heels.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46I've already done it!
0:27:46 > 0:27:48- Can I get a quick picture?- Yeah.
0:27:51 > 0:27:52- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55It's probably the shortest one we've ever done, four minutes, no more.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58- Hi, Kimberley!- Bye! Love you!
0:27:58 > 0:28:00And the reindeer can head home to Market Harborough,
0:28:00 > 0:28:02or is it the North Pole?
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Last chance of a drink till we get home.
0:28:06 > 0:28:07No?
0:28:07 > 0:28:09Everyone's safe, everyone's going home, so...
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Community is safe, community reassured.
0:28:12 > 0:28:13Oh, it's been brilliant for us.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16It's gone really well, the audience loved it,
0:28:16 > 0:28:18they were all up on their feet at the end, 100% standing ovation.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21We couldn't get the whole run of Oxford Street
0:28:21 > 0:28:23but, hey, that's show business and that's Oxford Street.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25What a bizarre business we work in.