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Two of the capital’s councils are considering giving police new powers to tackle illegal gambling games at top tourist hotspots.

Lambeth and Westminster councils have teamed up in a bid to impose a ground-breaking public space protection order (PSPO) on the Southbank and at Westminster Bridge.

The proposals come amid claims illegal gambling games in the area have contributed to spike in crime, including pickpocketing.

A consultation report released earlier this month claimed those who run the games, which include guessing which of three cups a small ball is underneath, “prey on tourists and vulnerable people”.

The move would see those running the games slapped with a fine of up to £100.

Over the last two years, 25 per cent of offences on Westminster Bridge were related to street performance acts, including illegal gambling, according to a report by Westminster council.

Overall crime levels jumped by 44 per cent last year compared to 2014 with a “noticeable” spike in August last year.

Theft, including pickpocketing, accounted for 67 per cent of total crime on the bridge over the last two years.

The report suggested that the thefts could be linked to street gambling due to large crowds gathering in one area.

Two robberies occurred on the bridge over the same time period – accounting for eight per cent of all crime.

In one case a tourist had their personal belongings stolen while they were distracted by a group of street dancers.

Another day-tripper had their things pinched by a street-artist dressed as Charlie Chaplin while the pair posed for photographs.

The report read: “The links between theft and these activities is likely to be higher due to the crowds these traders attract.

“This in turn creates an ideal environment for pickpocketing. Therefore, even if the illegal street games are not directly responsible for the thefts, the inference is that they are contributing indirectly to the problem of pick pocketing on Westminster Bridge.”

Drug offences accounted for 13 per cent of all crime and “other notable offences” accounted for twelve per cent.

If a consultation into the PSPO, which would be the first to be joinly imposed by two councils, is successful Metropolitan Police officers will be largely responsible for stopping gambling on Westminster Bridge, Hungerford Bridge and along the Southbank past Waterloo for the three year duration of the ban.

A spokesman for Lambeth council said: "Although illegal street gambling is, by definition, illegal, the associated anti-social behaviour is not and is much harder to effectively police.

"This PSPO would allow for rapid dispersal by local policing officers of the groups and the issuing of fines in an effective and timely fashion that would help significantly reduce the blockage and anti-social behaviour on the bridge."

Officers have pledged their support for the ban.

Southbank Police tweeted on August 23 and August 19 urging Londoners to back the plans.

The consultation closes at 5pm on September 9. To have your say click here.