Some of London’s busiest town centres and high streets are set to see an increased police and local authority presence this summer, according to the latest update issued by the Metropolitan Police. This fresh effort is part of a wider plan to build on reductions in burglary, robbery, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and retail crime seen in London so far this year.
As part of the plan, the Met Police have pinpointed the top 32 town centres and high street locations across London that face the greatest challenges with anti-social behaviour, theft and street crime.
The hotspot areas include Stratford, Woolwich Town Centre, Finsbury Park, Croydon Town Centre, Shepherds Bush Green, Elephant and Castle, Seven Sisters and London’s West End. According to a Met Police release, these areas account for nearly 10 per cent of knife crime, 24 per cent of theft from the person offences, and 6 per cent of all anti-social behaviour calls.
A release issued by the Met Police yesterday (Wednesday, July 9) stated: “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 ASB, seeking long sentences and Criminal Behaviour Orders.”
According to the Met, this summer so far has seen a ‘promising’ reduction in multiple types of crime compared to the same period last year, including an 18.1 per cent reduction in knife crime and a 15.6 per cent reduction in theft from the person crimes. The Met also reported solving 163 per cent more shoplifting cases compared to the same period last year.
The scheme also forms part of the Government’s national Safer Streets Summer Initiative, which aims to reduce criminal activity in town centres including shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour.
Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: “The safety of our town centres is more than just policing – it’s about building stronger, more connected communities where everyone feels secure. That’s why I was really pleased to meet with local partners and community groups today – along with the police – to strengthen our collaborative work to tackle shoplifting, theft and anti-social behaviour in all its forms.”
She added: “We have seen this in action today in Enfield, with officers speaking with local people and business owners addressing their concerns. Across our city there will be partnership led operations to tackle shoplifting and clear, visible neighbourhood officers out on patrol, keeping our communities safe and working to build safer town centres and a safer London for everyone.”
Deputy Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police, Matt Jukes, said: “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 per cent and we’ve solved 163 per cent more shoplifting cases this year.”
He added: “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.”
The top 20 areas on the list are:
Sign up to our London Court & Crime newsletter for the latest major court updates and breaking news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up HERE
