Croydon Council has adopted a new Community Safety Strategy for 2026-2029, aiming to combat crime and enhance neighbourhood safety across the borough. The strategy builds upon existing achievements, including a reported four percent decrease in overall crime.
Mayor Jason Perry highlighted significant reductions in personal robbery (down 29%), knife crime (down 24%), residential burglary (down 19%), and shoplifting (down almost a quarter) since 2023. He attributed these improvements to a zero tolerance approach to crime and anti-social behaviour and working in partnership.
Specific actions taken to achieve these reductions include establishing a town centre task force, investing in CCTV, deploying park guard patrols, and collaborating with the voluntary community and faith sector and the Metropolitan Police. Park guard officers have issued over 2,000 ASB warning notices, conducted more than 4,500 patrols, carried out 1,100 weapon sweeps, and completed 1,500 welfare checks since December. Furthermore, an injunction was secured against a prolific anti-social behaviour offender, banning them from entering the borough, and the town centre is subject to a public space protection order. Innovative measures, such as GPS tagging of persistent shoplifters, are also being explored.
The strategy continues to focus on tackling violence against women and girls, protecting young people from violence and exploitation, and creating safer neighbourhoods, high streets, and business communities. Specific measures to address violence against women and girls include increased use of statutory powers, a VAWG Education Lead, a domestic abuse community ambassador programme, an Expert by Experience panel, a VAWG conference, and a dedicated police officer on the Town Centre team investigating VAWG offences. The strategy also aims to improve communication about available services and campaigns like Ask Angela and Claire's Law. Safer Croydon partners will also work with businesses to improve reporting and develop safe spaces and a women's night safety charter.
Labour Group amendments, which were accepted by the administration, have strengthened the strategy by emphasizing safer neighbourhoods, high streets, and business communities. These amendments also propose quarterly monitoring of serious violence and knife-related incidents near schools, colleges, and transport hubs. This monitoring is intended to help the police, education partners, and British Transport Police identify location-based risks. However, the specific actions to be taken based on these findings are not detailed in the provided text.
Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed, speaking on behalf of the Labour Group, welcomed the strategy, particularly the focus on supporting local businesses. Labour's amendments sought to ensure stronger recognition within the equality impact assessment reporting routes, making them accessible regardless of disability, language barriers, or digital access. Councillor Dr Manju Shahul-Hameed also highlighted that the success of the strategy will depend on effective delivery, transparent reporting, sustainable community engagement, and proper scrutiny.
Councillor Ola Kolade, Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Justice, seconded the recommendations, acknowledging the ongoing work required while highlighting the progress made. He thanked council officers, police officers, health partners, fire and probation services, and the voluntary, community, and faith sector for their contributions. Mayor Jason Perry stated that the strategy builds on progress, acknowledges there is more to do, and sets out how Croydon will continue to be made a safer borough that people are proud to call home.
The strategy was adopted following a constructive debate, with cross-party support for its direction. The full details of the strategy can be found in the Public reports pack [https://democracy.croydon.gov.uk/documents/g4520/Public%20reports%20pack%2020th-Jul-2026%2018.30%20Council.pdf?T=10].
