crime statistics
Havering Council is currently examining its policy on locking park gates at night, with residents calling for more data and a clearer rationale.
Havering Council's Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee discussed park safety and gate management in November 2026, following resident concerns. Park gates across the borough have not been routinely locked at night since 2022. The committee heard calls for more data and a clearer rationale for this policy change, which was implemented as part of the council's medium-term financial strategy.
A full report on park safety is expected to be presented to Havering Council in January. Separately, Haringey Council's Culture, Community Safety & Environment Scrutiny Panel received an update from the Metropolitan Police on crime statistics in February 2026 as part of its ongoing work.
Key facts
- Park gates across Havering have not been routinely locked at night since 2022. Source
- Havering Council's Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee discussed park safety and gate management in November 2026. Source
- Of Havering's 89 parks, 34 have lockable gates. Source
- The practice of locking park gates in Havering stopped in autumn 2022. Source
- The policy change was part of Havering Council’s medium-term financial strategy. 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 12 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.