The decrease follows H&F Council’s £6.6 million investment in crime-fighting measures, such as an extensive CCTV network and increased Law Enforcement Team (LET) patrols.
Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) has reported a significant drop in crime rates, thanks to the borough’s innovative strategies and investments in safety measures. In 2024, there were 845 fewer victims of crime compared to the previous year, according to Metropolitan Police data.
The statistics reveal reductions across several major crime categories, including a 47% decrease in thefts from vehicles, a 13.6% fall in violent crime, a 10% drop in robberies, and a 9.5% reduction in residential burglaries.
The decrease follows H&F Council’s £6.6 million investment in crime-fighting measures, such as an extensive CCTV network and increased Law Enforcement Team (LET) patrols. The council’s efforts have not only improved public safety but also strengthened partnerships with the police and the community. Councillor Rebecca Harvey, H&F’s Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, said, “These figures show our approach to community safety is working. By combining smart technology with strong community ties, we’re making H&F an even safer place to live, work and visit.”
Investing in Safety
One of the cornerstone initiatives is the borough’s state-of-the-art CCTV system. H&F has allocated £5.4 million over five years to develop one of London’s most comprehensive networks. The system includes over 2,000 cameras, monitored 24/7 from a control room in Hammersmith. This network has already supported 757 arrests in 2024 alone, with operators guiding police and LET officers to intervene in real-time incidents.
The council’s Law Enforcement Team has also been instrumental in crime reduction. In the past year, the team conducted 107,000 patrols and investigations, issued 2,270 fines, and carried out 4,461 weapon sweeps. Their proactive efforts have helped ensure H&F remains one of London’s safest boroughs.
Tackling Hate Crime and Harassment
H&F has also launched initiatives to combat hate crime and street harassment. The H&F Faith Forum, comprising 17 religious leaders, plays a pivotal role in fostering peace and tolerance across the community. The council has introduced a new hate crime strategy focusing on prevention, victim support, and community building. In addition, H&F has become the first borough in London to make street harassment an offence, with offenders facing fines of up to £1,000. LET officers conduct specialised night patrols to ensure safety in town centres. This approach has already made an impact: in one case, CCTV footage helped track down and fine a perpetrator for harassing a young woman in Fulham.
Craig Knight, Metropolitan Police Superintendent for H&F, praised the council’s initiatives, calling them “a pioneering approach that supports improved safety and highlights what we can achieve through police and council collaboration.”
Supporting Youth and Fighting Gangs
To address youth crime and gang-related issues, H&F’s dedicated Gangs Unit has secured £280,000 in funding for youth initiatives on estates like West Kensington and Clem Attlee. These programmes aim to engage young people and their families through community-focused activities.
Additionally, the council has invested £30,000 in supporting victims of serious violence and their families. These funds enable extra LET patrols, youth outreach, and targeted community support in high-need areas.
Lighting Up Public Spaces
In efforts to enhance public safety, the council has improved lighting in areas such as Shepherds Bush Green. Twenty new motion-sensor lights have been installed, and 35 upgraded CCTV cameras now provide full 360-degree coverage, making walkways and pavements safer for residents.
Cracking Down on Illegal Goods
H&F’s Trading Standards officers have also stepped up efforts to combat illegal trading. This year, they seized over 60,000 counterfeit cigarettes and hundreds of dangerous vapes in the borough’s largest-ever operation. The offending shop, Milan Market in Hammersmith, was shut down, demonstrating the council’s zero-tolerance approach to illicit activities.
A Safer Borough
H&F’s commitment to community safety is evident in its comprehensive measures and investments. From advanced technology to community partnerships, the borough is setting an example for how local authorities can tackle crime and foster a safer environment for all residents.
For those facing local issues, the Law Enforcement Team remains available for assistance, ensuring that every resident feels supported and secure.
