London’s town centres, high streets and communities are to see an enhanced police and local authority presence this summer, as part of partnership work to build on reductions in theft, burglary, robbery, anti-social behaviour and retail crime in the capital, the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), led by Sadiq Khan (left), has announced.
The Met Police have identified the top 32 town centres and high street locations across the city that have the biggest challenge with these crimes, and they will be the focus for enhanced partnership action, MOPAC says.
Every single London borough will see increased police and partner activity in the hotspot areas including Stratford, Woolwich Town Centre, Finsbury Park, Croydon Town Centre, Shepherds Bush Green, Elephant and Castle, Seven Sisters and London’s West End.
The top 20 town centres and high streets being focused as part of the new Safer Summer Streets scheme make up only a small percentage of London overall, but account for almost 10% of knife crime and 6% of all anti-social behaviour calls to police.
There will be increased police patrols, intelligence-led plain-clothed operations in hotspot areas, and officers will relentlessly target wanted and prolific offenders who commit multiple offences, particularly shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, and commit to seeking long sentences and Criminal Behaviour Orders.
These summer plans are based on strong partnerships, with MOPAC, the Met Police, local authorities, businesses, community organisations sharing information using a new approach so issues can be identified and acted upon quickly. Local solutions will include the designing out of offences through local authority powers related to licensing, parking, CCTV, waste management and trading standards.
Through more precise targeting of the most dangerous offenders and greater focus on the issues that matter most to Londoners, the Met are arresting more than 1,000 more criminals each month, a release from MOPAC reveals.
“Whilst there have been significant reductions in some crime types since the start of the financial year and since 2016, it’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure everyone in the capital is safe and feels safe,” it reads.
Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, speaking at an event in Enfield yesterday (9 July) said: “The safety of our town centres is more than just policing - it’s about building stronger, more connected communities where everyone feels secure.
Deputy Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police, Matt Jukes (right), added: “Our intelligence and data-led approach to tackle the crimes that matter most to Londoners – such as shoplifting, robbery and anti-social behaviour – is already working.
“We’re arresting 1,000 more criminals each month, neighbourhood crime is down 19% and we’ve solved 163 per cent more shoplifting cases this year.
“We’re working with the community, and partners to focus our resources and bear down on prolific offenders who blight too many neighbourhoods across the capital.”
“In 32 of the hardest hit areas, we’re working with the community, councils, businesses and partners, to focus our resources and bear down on prolific offenders and gangs who blight too many neighbourhoods across the capital.”
Hannah Wadey, CEO, Safer Business Network, added: “Businesses across London have a crucial role to play in keeping our public spaces safe, and Safer Streets Summer is a great example of what we can achieve when we all work together.
“From preventing crime and anti-social behaviour to creating welcoming environments, this work is vital for our communities and businesses are proud to play their part. When people feel safe, our town centres can thrive.”
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