Southwark Council welcomes the Metropolitan Police’s plans to increase the number of neighbourhood officers for Peckham and North Walworth.
The Met Police have confirmed that each area will be allocated two sergeants, and 12 police constables will be allocated to focus on tackling issues that matter most to residents including antisocial behaviour, violence against women and girls, shoplifting, and phone theft.
The move is part of a wider plan by the Met to put more officers into high priority areas across London, with Southwark identified as one of the boroughs where increased visible policing can make the greatest difference.
Leader of Southwark Council, Cllr Sarah King, said: “We’ve been asking for more police support to work alongside the council’s community safety teams, so we’re pleased to see this extra resource coming to our borough.
“We know how important feeling safe is to our residents and local businesses. This announcement means more officers on our streets, more visible patrols, and more targeted action on the issues that most affect our communities.
“Our teams will continue to work closely with the Met to make sure these resources deliver real results for people living, working, and visiting Southwark."
The additional officers will work as part of dedicated town centre and neighbourhood teams, focusing on preventing crime, targeting repeat offenders, and working alongside the Council’s community wardens and enforcement teams.
Southwark Council continues to invest in community safety initiatives, including the introduction of the Southwark Police Oversight Board – to improve transparency and accountability in local policing, CCTV upgrades, youth engagement programmes, and partnership work with local businesses to reduce theft and antisocial behaviour.
Residents are encouraged to report any concerns or information to their local Safer Neighbourhood Teams or via the Council’s community safety reporting channels.
Southwark Council is also considering introducing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to help reduce antisocial behaviour in the borough’s public spaces. To help shape plans, local people are invited to share their views on the council’s website.
For direct access to key information and advice about police in your local area, please visit Met Engage.
