“We’ve witnessed a decline in the public’s sense of control over shared spaces,” remarked Conservative MP Kit Malthouse, who served as London’s deputy mayor for policing from 2008 to 2012. “If a city gains a reputation for being rife with crime, it deters a lot of people.”
There was unanimous agreement among those interviewed by POLITICO that the area requires more proactive and visible policing.
Paul Swaddle, leader of the Conservative opposition on Westminster City Council, emphasized that “a small number of people” in the borough are behind “a very large number of crimes.” He argued that addressing organized criminal groups could significantly improve the situation.
Swaddle also pointed to social media’s role in shaping perceptions of London as unsafe. “It’s a phenomenon of the TikTok generation,” he said, referring to incidents of phone thefts across the capital. “This is contributing to the image of Westminster and London as a no-go zone for tourists.”
Addressing Crime Hotspots
Malthouse called for police to focus efforts on high-traffic hotspots such as Leicester Square, where a visible police presence could act as a powerful deterrent. “It’s essential to maintain complete control of these areas so that anyone committing crimes there understands they are highly likely to be caught,” he said.
He stressed the importance of creating an environment that feels orderly and secure. “Conditioning the public realm to exude a sense of order is key. When the surroundings feel managed and safe, instances of theft, scams, muggings, and other crimes naturally decrease because that sense of control psychologically deters potential offenders.”
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