Increased police presence for London town centres

Town centres and high streets across London will see increased police and local authority presence this summer as part of partnership work to build on reductions in theft, burglary, robbery, ASB and retail crime.

The Met Police have identified the top 32 town centres and high street locations3 across London that have the biggest challenge with anti-social behaviour, theft and street crime, which will now be the focus for enhanced partnership action with local authorities, businesses and communities.

There will be increased police and partner activity in the hotspot areas which include 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 centre and high streets included account for almost 10 per of knife crime, 24 per cent of theft person offences and 6 per cent of all ASB calls.

As part of the partnership, there will be increased police patrols, intelligence-led plain-clothed operations in hotspot areas, and officers will target wanted and prolific offenders who commit multiple offences, particularly shoplifting and ASB.

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”