crime
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Greenwich Council's Cabinet decided in October 2025 to nearly double community safety enforcement officers with a £4.356 million investment. Source
- 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.