St Katharine's and Wapping

Drug & substance mis-use, Dealing and associated violence / anti-social behaviour

Anti-social behaviour remains a key concern for our community, particularly during warmer months when the riverside areas become busier. Tackling the offences that drive this behaviour is a priority for local policing teams.
We use an intelligence-led approach, combining high-visibility patrols with targeted plain-clothes operations. This allows us to focus on identified hotspots and those most responsible for causing harm in the area.
Our officers also carry out weapon sweeps to help prevent violence and keep our neighbourhood safe. We work closely with the Tower Hamlets council enoforcement teams and housing partners to address issues together and reduce offending.
Our Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are out in the community encouraging residents and businesses to sign up to Met Engage. The feedback we receive helps us better understand local concerns and target our efforts where they are needed most.

Business Crime

Reducing theft affecting local businesses is a key priority for the team. This work is supported by intelligence‑led policing, combining highly visible patrols to provide reassurance with plain‑clothes operations targeting known hotspots and repeat offenders.
At key times, dedicated "action weeks" are delivered, where tackling these offences becomes the team’s main focus to achieve a stronger impact.
The team also works closely with local businesses and business groups, including the Safer Business Network, to support effective crime reporting and encourage improved security measures.
Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) play an important role by promoting Met Engage, helping to strengthen communication and engagement between police and the community.

Residential Burglary & theft

The team is focused on reducing theft across the ward, with particular attention on burglary and residential-related theft such as parcel theft and incidents involving outbuildings and garages—issues that we know are especially concerning for our community.
We are using an intelligence-led policing approach, combining regular high-visibility patrols with targeted plain-clothes operations. This allows us to concentrate on identified hotspots and known offenders. As a result, we have successfully identified and arrested several individuals linked to a series of offences in the area.
To strengthen our response, we continue to adapt our shift patterns to ensure officers are deployed at the times these offences are most likely to occur, enabling a more agile and effective approach.
Alongside enforcement activity, our Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are actively engaging with residents to promote the use of Met Engage, helping to improve communication, build trust, and support community-led prevention.

Vehicle ASB and linked offences

The use of vehicles, including e-bikes, has been identified by Met Engage and local Ward Panel partners as a significant concern for public safety and a key contributor to anti-social behaviour in the area. Addressing this issue remains a priority for local policing teams.
Using information provided by the community, officers identify hotspot locations and carry out high-visibility patrols alongside targeted traffic operations to address these concerns and improve safety.
Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are also working closely with residents to encourage greater use of Met Engage. The information shared through this platform helps ensure that policing activity is focused where it is needed most.