A three-month programme to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Shepherds Bush is underway.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council and the Met Police have launched an ambitious action plan to improve safety on Shepherds Bush Green and in the surrounding streets around Uxbridge Road.
The operation – titled 'Project W12' – is a direct response to drug and safety concerns raised by residents in the area.
Thomas Cooke, Acting Sergeant (Sgt) for Shepherds Bush Green at the Metropolitan Police, said: "We have reacted to community concerns and crime rates in Shepherds Bush Green. Anyone in the community should be able to walk through here without intimidation."
Watch the H&F cracks down on Shepherds Bush crime hotspot video on YouTube.
The area has already seen a decrease in anti-social behaviour, with one resident reporting: "It has made a huge difference to quality of life. Much quieter around the northern part of the green towards Westfield."
Since coming into effect, the closure has helped to close two local drug dens and to make 10 arrests for Class A drug offences.
In addition to more patrols and a more visible police presence, we've removed the benches near the children's playground area to help discourage street drinking and drug use.
Listening to residents
In 2022, we asked hundreds of residents and visitors, specifically women and girls, about their safety concerns and how we could make the borough safer for all.
The feedback highlighted Shepherds Bush Green as a hub for drug and alcohol induced crime. H&F's Law Enforcement Team has been working with local businesses and residents.
"Meeting with the residents has helped us to understand what the residents' concerns are and what the residents want," said Clifford Pinto, Law Enforcement Officer at H&F Council. "They want a safer and cleaner area, like everyone else."
Partial closure order
Supported by local intelligence passed on from local residents to H&F's LET and CCTV teams, the Met Police have obtained a partial closure order for the Green.
The new rules provide officers with additional powers, enabling them to prevent and shut down crime as it occurs, including street drinking, drug use, and any form of abusive or threatening behaviour.
The order covers the whole of Shepherds Bush Green Common and Uxbridge Road, Aldine Street, Bulwer Street, Bourbon Lane, Tadmor Street, Caxton Road, Sterne Street and Shepherds Bush Place.
"The partial closure order doesn't restrict anyone from entering the Green," explained Sgt Cooke.
Action taken
Three mobile CCTV cameras have already been deployed in the area.
Next, we're planning to upgrade all permanent CCTV cameras in the area. Set to take place in March 2023, the upgrade will equip the existing cameras with a full 360-degree view to ensure that all incidents can be captured at any given time.
It's part of a wider plan to help:
- reduce drug dealing, crime and rough sleeping on Shepherds Bush Green
- increase women's safety in the area during the day and at night
- protect young people from violence and exploitation
- improve the environment on the Green, including the children's playground area
- ensure residents feel safer around local transport hubs.
Monthly drop-in sessions
If you've got safety concerns in your area, our LET Officers are here to help.
Speak to one of our friendly officers when you see them out and about, or plan a visit at the LET's regular drop in-sessions at Shepherds Bush Library, Hammersmith Library and Fulham Library.
The sessions take place every 1st, 2nd and 3rd Monday of the month, between 2pm-4pm.
The next one at Shepherds Bush Library will take place on 6 February. Find the full schedule on the H&F LET webpage.
You can contact the LET via email on let.hf@lbhf.gov.uk, or call 0208 753 1100 and select option 3.
Make the call
In case of an emergency, always call 999.
To report incidents that do not require an emergency response, residents can call 101 or contact Crimestoppers.
Crimestoppers – an independent charity that is not part of the police – is an option for anyone needing to report a crime anonymously.
Call 0800 555 111 or visit the Crimestoppers website.
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