Community Safety
Wandsworth Council is investing £3.1 million in new police officers and enforcement, while Southwark Council funds night patrols to address safety concerns.
Wandsworth Council is investing £3.1 million in 25 dedicated Metropolitan Police officers and an Integrated Enforcement Team to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, a proposal approved in October 2026. In September 2026, Southwark Council invested £600,000 in Night Time Patrols after data showed 41% of residents feel unsafe at night, with Neighbourhood Watch Southwark highlighting knife crime and violence against women and girls. Merton Council's Cabinet also approved £235,000 in September 2026 for community safety initiatives targeting untidy land.
Councils are also reviewing strategies and performance. In July 2026, Lambeth Council noted that community safety indicators were the weakest performing ambition, with only one meeting its target. Harrow Council's Cabinet approved recommissioning domestic abuse services with a £2.395 million contract over five years, starting in April 2027. Earlier, in March 2026, Enfield reported a 6.4% reduction in knife crime, attributed to preventative work across youth services.
In March 2026, Southwark Council's Cabinet accepted recommendations to enhance community safety, including improving crime reporting and staff training. Barnet Council launched a new strategy to tackle serious youth violence in March 2026. Havering Council adopted a new policy for its CCTV and Body Worn Video systems in January 2026 to enhance compliance and administration of surveillance technology.
Key facts
- Wandsworth Council is investing £3.1 million in 25 dedicated Metropolitan Police officers and an Integrated Enforcement Team. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
- Southwark Council invested £600,000 in Night Time Patrols in September 2026. Source
- Merton Council's Cabinet approved £235,000 for Community Safety Untidy Land action in September 2026. Source
- In July 2026, Lambeth Council found only one community safety indicator met its target, with three rated 'red'. Source
- Enfield experienced a 6.4% decrease in knife crime over 12 months, with a 23.2% drop in injury cases, reported in March 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 7 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.