Gospel Oak

Drug related crime and Anti-social behaviour

Reducing drug-related offences and anti-social behaviour within the Wendling Estate and surrounding areas, with a focus on drug use and dealing, through targeted patrols and partnership working to improve community safety.

Issued 01 September 2026

There are ongoing issues on the Wendling Estate and surrounding areas involving drug use, drug dealing and associated anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Drug-related activity and ASB have a negative impact on the local community, contributing to concerns around safety, public nuisance and environmental issues. The concentration of this behaviour within the estate suggests it has been an attractive location for offenders, requiring focused and sustained intervention.

Gospel Oak Safer Neighbourhood Team have implemented a proactive approach to address these issues, including:

• Increased patrols in the area, both in full uniform and plain clothes
• Working closely with partner agencies to tackle the root causes of offending
• Carrying out targeted operations and engagement within the Wendling Estate

This activity has resulted in a noticeable reduction in ASB and drug-related activity.

While there has been a reduction in reported incidents, further work is required to ensure long-term improvements. Gospel Oak SNT will continue to monitor the situation, maintain targeted patrols and work with partners to sustain and build on the progress made in reducing crime and ASB in the area.

Actioned 01 September 2026

Burglary, drug related offences and ASB

Reducing burglary, drug-related offences, anti-social behaviour and associated crime within the Dunboyne Estate and the surrounding area, through targeted patrols and partnership working to improve safety for residents.

Issued 01 September 2026

There are ongoing issues around the Dunboyne Estate involving burglary, drug-related offences, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and other associated criminal activity.

These offences negatively impact the local community, leading to concerns around safety, increased nuisance and reduced quality of life for residents. The combination of burglary, drug activity and ASB suggests a pattern of recurring offending within the area, requiring targeted and sustained intervention. The estate and surrounding areas has been identified for such behaviour.

Gospel Oak Safer Neighbourhood Team are taking proactive measures to address these issues, including:

• Increasing high-visibility and plain clothes patrols within the Dunboyne Estate and surrounding areas
• Working alongside stakeholders and partner agencies to reduce offending
• Conducting stop and search activity to disrupt criminal behaviour
• Arresting offenders where appropriate
• Issuing ASB warnings to address nuisance behaviour

Significant work has already been carried out, including targeted patrols and enforcement activity aimed at reducing crime and ASB in the area.

The work undertaken has contributed to a reduction in ASB across the Dunboyne Estate. However, further activity is required to ensure long-term improvements. Gospel Oak SNT will continue to monitor the area, maintain a visible presence and work with partners to build on the progress made. The team remains committed to reducing all crime types and improving safety for residents.

Actioned 01 September 2026

Shoplifting and Theft offences on Pond Street

Reducing shoplifting and theft offences along Pond Street, through targeted patrols, proactive operations, and partnership working with local businesses to combat retail crime.

Issued 01 September 2026

There has been an increase in shoplifting, theft offences, as well as anti-social behaviour which is affecting retail premises along Pond Street.

The rise in retail crime is impacting local businesses, resulting in financial loss and affecting staff confidence and safety. The concentration of offences suggests that Pond Street has become a target location for offenders, particularly during busy periods, requiring focused policing and preventative measures.

Gospel Oak Safer Neighbourhood Team are addressing this issue through:

• Increased patrols in both uniform and plain clothes along Pond Street
• Targeted operations aimed at identifying and disrupting offenders
• Working in partnership with local businesses to share information and improve crime prevention measures

This coordinated approach aims to deter offenders, reduce opportunities for theft and provide reassurance to businesses and the public.

The effectiveness of these measures will be monitored through retail crime data, feedback from local businesses and enforcement outcomes. Patrols and operations will continue to be reviewed and adapted to ensure ongoing reductions in shoplifting and theft offences in the area.

Actioned 01 September 2026

Reduce violence and improve community safety

Violence, including assaults, knife crime and robbery remains a priority for the ward. We will work closely with residents, businesses, schools, partner agencies and community groups to identify areas of concern and tackle the causes of violence.

Issued 01 September 2026

Reports of violence, including assaults, robbery and knife crime have been identified as a recurring concern within the ward. Incidents have been reported by residents, businesses and partner agencies, with particular concern around identified hotspot locations and peak times. Violence has a significant impact on community confidence, victim wellbeing and perceptions of safety.

Analysis of crime reports, intelligence submissions and community feedback has identified specific locations, times and individuals linked to violent incidents. Factors contributing to violence include youth-related disorder, alcohol consumption, ongoing disputes between individuals and groups and repeat offenders operating within the area. Community concerns indicate that certain locations are perceived as unsafe, particularly during evening hours.

Gospel Oak Safer Neighbourhood Team will:

• Conduct targeted high-visibility patrols in identified hotspot areas.
• Carry out proactive operations aimed at identifying and disrupting those involved in violent offending.
• Work with schools, youth services and partner agencies to engage young people and divert them away from violence.
• Use intelligence-led policing to identify and target repeat offenders.
• Conduct weapon sweeps and utilise stop and search powers where lawful and proportionate.
• Support victims through referrals to appropriate safeguarding and support services.
• Engage with residents, businesses and community groups to encourage reporting and gather intelligence.

Success will be measured by:

• A reduction in reports of violent offences within the ward.
• Reduced repeat victimisation and offending.
• Positive feedback from residents regarding feelings of safety.
• Ongoing review of crime data and hotspot locations to ensure policing activity remains effective and proportionate.

Actioned 01 September 2026