Community members in Islington told local Met officers they are concerned about issues like burglary, motor vehicle damage and theft, anti-social behaviour and violence during weekly Friday meetings, called Safer Space Walk and Talks.
The initiative, which has seen senior officers from the Met and Islington Council representatives hold targeted surgeries in every ward within Islington, enabling local officers to take decisive action to drive down crime in the area to deliver for communities.
Officers from the police and Islington Council are tackling drug use in Evershot Gardens and increasing outreach work in Tollington which has seen significant decreases in anti-social behaviour.
To tackle issues around local bars and restaurants, officers have put in additional patrols and education campaigns providing advice on how to keep themselves safe and warning people not to leave valuables in cars unattended.

Eight people have been arrested after a police operation targeted a crime hotspot around Finsbury Park.

In the first three months of the programme (October – December 2023), offences have reduced, compared with the same time period the previous year by:
– 14 per cent burglary of homes;
– 13 per cent personal robbery;
– 5.4 per cent violent offences;
– 2.9 per cent theft from motor vehicles.
Islington Neighbourhood Policing Lead, Superintendent Jack May Robinson said: “I am committed to building trust and safer neighbourhoods for the people of Islington. The Safer Streets campaign is just one example of this, and has been successful in driving down crime in the area thanks to the invaluable input of local people and the council.
“Officers are an integral part of the Islington community and it’s vital we work closely with everyone – so I would like to thank all those who have taken the time to speak to us over the past four months.
“We welcome more community members to join us and speak to officers about their concerns so we can address them head on.”
Cllr John Woolf, Executive Member for Community Safety, said: “It’s vital that we all work together to prevent crime and build a safer Islington.
“At the weekly Safer Spaces Walk and Talks we have been listening to residents’ suggestions about how we can make their area safer. I want to thank everyone who took the time to attend – your input has led us to make effective changes that have helped reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
“This includes changes to the physical environment, increased patrols, estate repairs and engaging with local businesses who are supporting our communities. I encourage anyone who would like to share their ideas for a safer Islington to come to our future Safer Spaces Walk and Talks.”
The new strategy delivers on A New Met for London, the blueprint to reduce crime and restore trust in local communities. This has seen the Met introduce new communities first approaches to tackling crime, working with residents to understand their priorities
+ The next two Safer Streets events are on Friday, 2 February at Duncan Terrace and Friday, 9 February at the Brickworks Community Centre. After this the Met will launch its next series of engagement events linked to local youth groups in Islington, beginning in March.