“I’ve lived here for over forty years”, she said on the doorstep. “But I just don’t feel safe any more.”
Those words, spoken by a resident on the Clem Attlee Estate, should concern everyone. It is simply wrong that crime and antisocial behaviour have been allowed to take root in the borough.
Twelve years ago, the Labour administration inherited a borough that was well below average on crime. Today, it is the seventh most unsafe borough in London.
Over the past three years, shoplifting is up 59 percent, public order offences up 37 percent and violent and sexual offences up 25 percent. Drug crime is among the highest in the capital. Residents can see it and smell it on high streets and in parks.
Change is clearly needed. The Conservatives’ 2026 Manifesto sets out a programme of action to address this and restore a sense of safety across the borough.
First, neighbourhood policing will be strengthened by funding 50 additional police officers through the Partnership Plus Scheme. This is a serious investment in visible policing. Officers who know their area, who are seen regularly and who deter crime simply by being present are essential. Safer streets require officers on them.
Second, capacity will be increased by recruiting more special constables through a targeted campaign, backed by incentives such as council tax reductions. With the same powers as regular officers and a minimum commitment of 200 hours a year, special constables provide a cost effective way to increase presence.
Third, we’ll refocus LET-level enforcement towards supporting the police in tackling antisocial behaviour on high streets and in parks, not policing bin days. Resources should go where residents actually feel the problem.
Fourth, there will be a tougher approach to low level crime and antisocial behaviour. Public Space Protection Orders will be extended across town centres, high streets and green spaces. Neighbourhood safety plans will be published and a zero tolerance approach taken to drug use and persistent antisocial behaviour. To protect local shops, a dedicated shoplifting taskforce will be established, working with police, businesses and Business Improvement Districts.
Fifth, technology will be used more effectively. CCTV coverage will be expanded across the borough, particularly on housing estates, and residents and businesses will be able to bid for cameras in their area. Proper safeguards will be in place, but that should not prevent action. Increased staffing will ensure footage is actively monitored and acted upon. Joint CCTV control room services can help manage costs. AI also has a role to play, alongside a simple app that allows residents to report antisocial behaviour in real time, linked directly to the control room so officers and police can respond quickly.
None of this is complicated. It comes down to priorities. Visible policing, enforcement focused on real problems and using available tools properly.
