Community safety
Councils are currently investing in targeted initiatives and reviewing strategies to enhance community safety.
Southwark Council invested £600,000 in Night Time Patrols in September 2026, after 41% of residents reported feeling unsafe after dark, particularly women, older people, and disabled residents. Neighbourhood Watch Southwark also highlighted ongoing issues of knife crime and violence against women and girls in the borough in September 2026. Merton Council's Cabinet approved £235,000 in September 2026 for community safety initiatives targeting untidy land.
Lambeth Council's community safety performance was under scrutiny in July 2026, with an Outcomes Framework Performance Report showing most indicators failing to meet targets. Newham's Crime, Environment and Transport Scrutiny Committee discussed developing a Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy for 2026-28 in September 2026. Bexley Council's Community Safety Scrutiny Project Sub Group is scheduled to meet on 30 September 2026 to develop a scrutiny review plan.
Enfield reported a 6.4% decrease in knife crime over the past 12 months in March 2026, attributed to preventative work across youth services. Harrow Council's Cabinet approved plans in July 2026 to recommission domestic abuse services, with a new contract for £2.395 million over five years set to begin in April 2027.
Key facts
- 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
- 41% of Southwark residents reported feeling unsafe after dark in September 2026. Source
- Lambeth Council's community safety indicators were largely failing targets in July 2026. Source
- Enfield reported a 6.4% decrease in knife crime over 12 months 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.