Operation Holly, led by officers in Marylebone, will see plain-clothed officers working alongside guards in shops to help catch shoplifters and distraction thieves who take advantage of shoppers.
Westminster City Council, the British Transport Police and the New West End Company – a retail collective – have joined forces for the scheme.
Met police officers will also be working with retailers to promote awareness of in-store crime, including pickpockets.
Around a million people travel through the Westminster area every day, with this number swelling in December as visitors head to the area’s many shops, bars and restaurants.
“The West End remains a very safe place for people to visit and I would encourage everyone to enjoy the festivities at this time of year,” said Westminster Borough commander, Steve Allen.
“However, criminals are known to take advantage of the large crowds and I would like to remind people to remain vigilant.”
Additional patrols will also take place in Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square and the Strand.
A Met statement said the force is keen to ensure a safe environment for visitors but that it will crackdown on anyone whose anti-social behaviour mars the festivities.
