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 3

  1. H&F Council to trial drone surveillance for enforcement Hammersmith and Fulham Council is set to trial the use of drones for enforcement and surveillance, pending approval from the Civil Aviation Authority. Hammersmith and Fulham 19 September 2025
  2. Police and Council Object to Late-Night License Bid for The Grand Lounge on Old Kent Road Southwark Council's Licensing Sub-Committee is considering an application for a premises licence for The Grand Lounge on the Old Kent Road, following objections from the... Southwark 18 August 2025
  3. Beckton Residents Object to 6 AM Alcohol Sales at New Store Residents in Beckton have voiced their objections to a new store's application for a premises licence, specifically targeting the proposed 6 AM start time for alcohol sales. Newham 17 August 2025
  4. Richmond Residents Oppose Late-Night Alcohol Sales at New Store Richmond residents are voicing strong opposition to a new convenience store's application for a premises licence that would allow the sale of alcohol until late at night. The... Richmond upon Thames 8 August 2025
  5. Hammersmith Residents Fear Crime and Noise from Top's Pizza Licence Application Residents and local authorities are voicing concerns over a new premises licence application for Top's Pizza on Fulham Palace Road, citing potential increases in crime,... Hammersmith and Fulham 1 August 2025
  6. Police Object to New Off-Licence Amid Anti-Social Behaviour Concerns A new off-licence application for Swanscombe News on Swanscombe Road has met with objections from the Metropolitan Police, citing concerns over potential increases in crime and... Hammersmith and Fulham 1 August 2025
  7. Ealing Council Aims for White Ribbon Accreditation to Prevent Violence Against Women Ealing Council is taking steps to achieve White Ribbon Accreditation as part of its ongoing vision to tackle inequality and crime, as outlined in the council's strategy and the... Ealing 26 July 2025
  8. Hampton Court Off-Licence Licence Deferred Over Resident Concerns An application for a new premises licence for SD Food & Wine in Hampton Court has been deferred by Richmond upon Thames Council's Licensing Sub-Committee following objections... Richmond upon Thames 25 July 2025