Issue

Crime

29 stories · discussed at 6 council meetings · 21 councils

Councils are currently addressing crime through licensing decisions, tackling specific anti-social behaviours, and investing in enforcement and technology.

Councils are currently addressing concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour through licensing decisions for new and existing premises. Hounslow Council's Licensing Panel granted a Tesco Express licence in September 2026 with reduced alcohol sales hours following resident objections. In September 2026, Hammersmith and Fulham's Licensing Sub-Committee approved a licence for Dr Dessert despite resident concerns about late-night disturbance. Kingston upon Thames Council's Licensing Sub-Committee also granted a new KFC licence in July 2026 with strict conditions after objections.

Local authorities are also tackling specific crime types and anti-social behaviour. Barnet Homes reported in September 2026 that drug-related issues were the most frequent in anti-social behaviour cases opened in the first quarter of 2026/27. Enfield residents and councillors voiced concerns in September 2026 about e-bike and e-scooter misuse, with local police actively seizing vehicles and making arrests. Greenwich Council's Cabinet decided in October 2025 to nearly double community safety enforcement officers with a £4.356 million investment.

To enhance crime-fighting capabilities, Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Cabinet approved a £3.2 million investment in AI-powered CCTV and a trial of drone surveillance in September 2025. Southwark Council's Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission was set to review crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots in November 2025. Camden Council's CCTV upgrade programme had reached 68% of estates by November 2025, while Hounslow Area Forums addressed rising crime concerns in October 2025.

Key facts

  1. Hounslow Council's Licensing Panel granted a Tesco Express licence in September 2026 with alcohol sales restricted to 09:00-22:00 Monday-Saturday and 10:00-22:00 on Sundays. Source
  2. Drug-related issues were the most frequent in anti-social behaviour cases opened by Barnet Homes in Q1 2026/27, with 15 cases out of 66 total. Source
  3. Enfield Police teams are actively seizing e-bikes and e-scooters across the borough, leading to arrests and confiscations, as highlighted in September 2026. Source
  4. Greenwich Council's Cabinet decided in October 2025 to nearly double community safety enforcement officers with a £4.356 million investment. Source
  5. Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Cabinet approved a £3.2 million investment in AI-powered CCTV and a trial of drone surveillance in September 2025. Source 1 Source 2
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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 2

  1. Camden's CCTV Upgrade Reaches 68% of Estates Camden Council is continuing its CCTV upgrade programme, with 68% of estates now equipped with the latest surveillance technology. Camden 30 November 2025
  2. Hounslow Forum to Address Rising Crime Concerns The Hounslow South, Isleworth and Osterley & Spring Grove Area Forum convened on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, to address rising crime concerns in the borough. Hounslow 18 October 2025
  3. Catford Venue's Late-Night Licence Bid Sparks Resident Concerns Catford residents are raising concerns about a local venue's application to extend its late-night licence, sparking debate about potential public nuisance, crime, and the impact... Lewisham 18 October 2025
  4. Councillor Raises Crime Concerns Over New Catford Off-Licence Application Rushey Green Councillor James-J Walsh has voiced concerns over a new off-licence in Catford, citing potential increases in crime and anti-social behaviour. The applicant, Fresh... Lewisham 18 October 2025
  5. Greenwich to Double Community Safety Enforcement Officers Greenwich is set to significantly bolster its community safety efforts by nearly doubling the number of community safety enforcement officers patrolling town centres and housing... Greenwich 16 October 2025
  6. Wandsworth Burglaries Spike 51% Since February, Exceeding London Average Wandsworth residents are facing a surge in crime, with burglaries spiking by 51% since February, according to data presented at the Wandsworth Safer Neighbourhood Board meeting... Wandsworth 11 October 2025
  7. Police Seek Review of Aquarium Tapas Bar Licence Lambeth Council's Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to review the premises licence for Aquarium Tapas Bar, located at 415 Wandsworth Road. The review, prompted by concerns... Lambeth 6 October 2025
  8. H&F to invest £3.2M in AI-powered CCTV to fight crime Hammersmith and Fulham Council is set to invest £3.2 million in CCTV and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance its crime-fighting capabilities. Hammersmith and Fulham 19 September 2025