New figures from the Metropolitan Police show that crime in Croydon has fallen by 4.1% in the last year, but residents are sceptical over whether this is indicative of real change.
The figures found that since 2023, there has been a notable reduction in some of the most serious offences such as knife crime and personal robbery, which are down 24% and 29% respectfully.
Croydon Council have pointed to this as a sign that the council’s tougher, more partnership-led approach to tackling crime is working, but some residents are not convinced anything has changed.
Telecoms Engineer, James Dedman, 41, said: “I have lived in Croydon all my life, and I feel like I have watched it in a steady decline.”
Dedman denied seeing any reduction in crime in Croydon in recent years and believes the figures are being misconstrued.
Dedman suggested that the figures were the result of fewer people being out in Croydon and a general reluctance to report crimes, rather than a genuine decrease.
Dedman said: “People don’t bother reporting things anymore because what are the police going to do, they just don’t have the resources.”
Despite the new figures, Dedman, a father of three, is not convinced that the streets of Croydon are any safer and said violence is still an issue.
Dedman said: “There isn’t a person alive who can tell me violent crime has dropped.
“I think I’m okay because I know how to handle myself, but I wouldn’t feel safe if I were a 21-year-old female walking home at 10 in the night.”
Social media comments suggest that Dedman is one of many residents who are sceptical that the new figures actually indicate a true reduction in crime.
One Facebook commenter said: “Reported crime, might be down. But I find it hard to believe actual crime is.”
Another added: “If it’s true, great, but I am sceptical… Reported crime is not the same as actual crime.”
Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, was unavailable for an interview but has been recently quoted: “When I was elected Mayor, I promised to take a zero-tolerance approach to crime and anti-social behaviour.”
Perry said: “These latest figures show that the work we’ve been doing with the police, and our partners is starting to make a real difference.”
Featured image credit: Demi Caddy
Join the discussion