London's Oxford Street is on high alert after a viral TikTok post urged followers to "rob JD Sports".
The Metropolitan Police have increased patrols in the central London shopping district, anticipating a large turnout of youths responding to the call.
The online post, which has spread across various social media platforms, advises participants to dress in 'bally and gloves' and warns against bringing weapons.
Last year, similar incidents led to widespread vandalism, including damage to shops and a Ferrari (NYSE:RACE), and assaults on police officers.
In response to the current threat, a 48-hour dispersal order has been implemented, allowing police to ban individuals from the area, with arrests for non-compliance.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his concerns, stating, "I am worried about this nonsense we have seen on TikTok."
He urged the public to avoid Oxford Street and not be drawn into potential criminal activities.
The New West End Company (NWEC) has also increased its patrols, supporting the police's efforts. In a previous incident on 12 August last year, similar calls led to significant disorder in the NWEC area, resulting in multiple arrests.
The JD chain is owned by stock market-listed JD Sports Fashion PLC (LSE:JD.), whose shares were little moved by the threat, trading sideways at 147.35p.