Tanya had always felt at home in London. It was a city she knew well, a place where she felt both familiar and safe. But a recent incident shattered that sense of security.
After a shopping trip, Tanya parked her car outside the Town Hall and went inside to attend a Tai Chi class. When she returned, she discovered that someone had broken into her car. Her handbag and shopping bags were gone, but thankfully, her phone was still with her. The street was well-lit and had decent foot traffic, with a bus route passing through, which gave her some reassurance.
Tanya immediately called the police, but the system was automated, and no one answered. She was instructed to file an online report if it wasn’t an emergency. Frustrated, she said, “I was not in a state to go through a series of multiple-choice questions; I would have preferred to speak to someone directly. Even though I knew deep down they probably couldn’t do much, I still wanted to talk to someone.”
Despite the frustration, she filled out the online form and took immediate steps to limit the damage. She cancelled all her cards and froze her bank account. As she waited for her husband to arrive, the full extent of the violation hit her. Not only had the thief stolen her belongings, but they also now had access to her home and office keys, business cards, and personal information. What was once her secure car now felt like an invaded space.
“The only silver lining was that I had not caught the person in the act. I’m not sure if that would have been safe, or if the person might have attacked me. So, in a way, I was just relieved that the loss was limited to some money and the inconvenience of having to cancel my card and driving license.”
Later, Tanya discovered from her bank statement that the thief had used her card at a local convenience store. She reported this to the police, but it seemed no further action was taken. Fortunately, some good Samaritans found her handbag in a nearby park and returned most of the items, except her wallet and driving license.
Since the incident, Tanya has become more cautious, constantly checking her surroundings and questioning whether she locked the car or left anything behind. While she has never thought of leaving London, she does feel somewhat unsafe in certain areas like Oxford Circus, Piccadilly, and even on the trains.
This story resonates with a growing number of Londoners. Recently, there have been increasing reports of crimes like shoplifting, grooming, knife attacks, phone snatching, and robbery. Many members of ethnic minority communities feel particularly vulnerable, especially with the rise of far-right activity.
A growing sense of vulnerability among Londoners as officials act
Recent surveys show that a significant number of Londoners are considering relocating to safer areas. A YouGov poll for Queen Mary University found that 28% of Londoners plan to move within the next five years, with safety being a key reason.
London’s crime rate stands at 132.6 crimes per 1,000 people, roughly 85% of the national average. Violent crime makes up about 22.1% of all reported crimes, totalling approximately 254,000 incidents. While this represents a 4.7% decrease from the previous year, London’s crime rate for violent offenses remains notably high, at 501% of the national average.
Despite these concerns, officials are assuring the public that steps are being taken to improve safety. Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, told Asian Voice, “Nothing is more important to the Mayor and I than keeping Londoners safe, and we are committed to doing all we can to help reduce crime and violence in our city.
“Sadiq has invested record amounts in neighbourhood policing, funded 1,300 additional police officers, and has led a public health approach to tackling violence through England’s first Violence Reduction Unit, which has helped contribute towards more than 500,000 positive opportunities for young Londoners.
“Thanks to the Mayor’s proactivity, homicides, gun crime lethal barrel discharges and the number of young people being injured with knives have all fallen in London since 2016. Last year there were fewer homicides of people under-25 in London than any year since 2003. But we are far from complacent and there’s much more to do. City Hall will continue working closely with the Commissioner and the new Government to ensure we build on the progress being made, to build a safer London for everyone.”
A Spokesperson for the Met police said, “We understand the impact theft and robbery can have on victims, they are invasive and sometimes violent crimes, which we’re tackling as we make the capital safer through our New Met for London Plan.
“Met officers are targeting hotspot areas with increased patrols and plain clothes officers. We also continue to use data and technology to build intelligence and track stolen items to target offenders.”
Building a safer, more trustworthy police force
Met Police has also unveiled a transformative plan—A New Met for London—based on insights from over 10,000 interactions with Londoners and community partners. While progress has already been made, this initiative represents the next step in building a safer, more connected city where residents play an active role in shaping their local policing.
The plan emphasises three key reform areas. First, Community Crime-Fighting will focus on strengthening relationships between local officers, communities, and specialised resources. More officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will be deployed in neighbourhoods to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, responding to the priorities voiced by the people they serve.
Second, Culture Change aims to instil values of fairness, inclusivity, and high standards across the Met. The force is committed to becoming an anti-racist organisation, addressing issues like racism, misogyny, and homophobia while reflecting London’s diversity.
Finally, Fixing the Foundations will ensure officers have the right training, equipment, and technology to combat crime effectively, while maintaining public trust. A focus on the Met’s Children Strategy will also guide how officers interact with young people, ensuring their welfare and safety.
