Tackling serious crime in Lambeth and Southwark

Dear Residents 

I wanted to reach out to you all to highlight the seasonal increases in crime that we usually experience across Lambeth and Southwark over the summer period, and to tell you about what we are doing to keep you all safe.

With lighter evenings, more people stay out longer to enjoy this time of year. However, some people do this with bad intentions, and it is my job, and that of my officers to keep you all safe and to catch these criminals and put them before the courts.

We have been working hard over the past 12 months, and what we are doing is working.  Locally, knife crime is down 17%, moped enabled crime is down by 69% and in Southwark mobile phone robbery is down by 22%. 

However, sadly we are still experiencing high levels of serious youth violence and therefore, we must remain proactive and front footed to tackle this crime as it emerges. 

Many of you would have been upset to hear the tragic news of Kamahl Cameron-Williams, who was stabbed to death in the early hours of 21st June. We have made a number of arrests, and several people have been charged in relation to this crime, however, we must do all we can to stop any further incidents occurring.

Over the coming days and weeks, you may see more police officers in and around your streets. This is part of series of intelligence led operations to reduce serious violence across Southwark and Lambeth, aimed at reducing violence in your neighbourhoods.  We are working closely with our partners in Lambeth and Southwark Local Authorities too.

Whilst I cannot go into the details of what will be happening, I will ensure that we share with you as much detail as possible of the action we have taken, and of any success we have in removing dangerous weapons from your streets, drugs seized and perpetrators in handcuffs.

I want you all to feel safe.  Local officers will be deployed in the areas and available to help you.  So, if you do see any of us on your streets, please do come and say hello and importantly if you have any concerns or if you are scared, please reach out to any of us. 

Yours sincerely, 

Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond 

BCU Commander- Lambeth & Southwark