Belsize

Drug Offences

Reducing drug-related offences in and around Belsize Park, focusing on street-level dealing and drug use that contribute to littering, noise disturbance and wider anti-social behaviour, through proactive policing and partnership working.

There is an ongoing issue with drug-related offences in and around Belsize Park and surrounding areas. This includes street-level dealing and drug use, which is contributing to associated problems such as littering, noise disturbance and wider anti-social behaviour (ASB).

The presence of drug users and dealers in the area has led to an increase in environmental issues (e.g. discarded items), public nuisance and community concerns. These behaviours impact resident’s quality of life and contribute to perceptions of reduced safety. The activity appears to be concentrated in specific locations and involves both local users and individuals travelling into the area.

Belsize Neighbourhood Policing Team have implemented a proactive approach to tackle this issue, including:

• Increased high-visibility and plain clothes patrols
• Targeted stop and search activity
• Arrest of individuals involved in drug offences
• Issuing ASB warnings
• Working in partnership with local stakeholders and agencies to reduce offending and support longer-term solutions

Over recent months, officers have carried out multiple patrols and enforcement activities, resulting in several stop and searches and positive interventions.

These measures are ongoing, and the impact will continue to be monitored through enforcement outcomes, community feedback and reductions in ASB and drug-related incidents. Patrol strategies and partnership work will be reviewed regularly to ensure continued effectiveness and to adapt to any displacement of offending.

Burglary

Reducing residential and commercial burglary offences within the ward, through proactive patrols and collaborative work with partners and stakeholders to prevent offending and improve community safety.

There is a concern regarding residential and commercial burglary offences within the ward, impacting both homeowners and local businesses.

Burglary offences can lead to significant financial loss, emotional distress and reduced feelings of safety within the community. Identified hotspot areas suggest targeted offending patterns, highlighting the need for focused patrols and preventative measures. A lack of awareness around crime prevention measures may also contribute to vulnerability among residents and businesses.

The ward team are taking a proactive and partnership-focused approach, including:

• Working closely with partner agencies to increase patrols across the ward
• Conducting high-visibility patrols in identified hotspot locations to deter offenders
• Engaging with local stakeholders to raise awareness and provide crime prevention advice
• Supporting residents and businesses with guidance to reduce vulnerability to burglary

These actions aim to both prevent offences and reassure the community.

The effectiveness of these measures will be monitored through burglary crime data, patrol outcomes and feedback from residents and stakeholders. Ongoing review of hotspot locations and partnership engagement will ensure resources are targeted effectively and adapted where necessary to continue reducing burglary offences.

Theft

Reducing theft offences in and around the Haverstock Hill area, including mobile phone theft, theft from motor vehicles, and shoplifting, through proactive policing and partnership working with local stakeholders.

There is an ongoing issue with theft offences in and around the Haverstock Hill area, including theft of mobile phones, theft from motor vehicles and shoplifting.

The occurrence of these theft offences impacts both local residents and businesses, contributing to financial loss and reduced confidence within the community. Identified hotspot locations suggest that offenders are targeting busy areas and commercial premises. Shoplifting affects local retailers, while opportunistic thefts such as mobile phone and vehicle-related offences are more prevalent in high footfall areas.

Belsize Neighbourhood Policing Team are actively addressing these issues through a combination of enforcement and prevention, including:

• Increased high-visibility patrols in identified hotspot locations
• Deployment of plain clothes officers to detect and deter offenders
• Working closely with local businesses to reduce shoplifting offences
• Engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders to provide crime prevention advice
• Ongoing patrol activity focused on disruption and early intervention

These measures aim to reduce offending, deter potential offenders and improve reassurance within the community.

The impact of these actions will be monitored through crime data, arrest outcomes and continued engagement with local businesses and residents. Patrol strategies and partnership working will be reviewed to ensure they remain effective and responsive to emerging trends in theft offences.