The scandal of London's vanishing police stations
Evening Standard|June 18, 2024
15 years ago, the capital had 156 police stations, but that has been cut sharply to just 36. A new study argues the changes have had a worrying effect on violent crime
Robbie Griffiths
The scandal of London's vanishing police stations

THE police office is now closed to the public" reads a sign on a run-down building in Walthamstow high street. For anyone who wants to speak to the police, it suggests Chingford, roughly four miles away, and adds: "Please call 999 if you have an emergency." A shopkeeper a few doors down shrugs. "It's been closed for a long time," he says. A bigger station nearby shut in 2011, following an arson attack.

They are two of more than 100 police stations that have been closed in London over the past decade and a half. So forgotten are the capital's police stations that Westminster councillors last month granted planning permission to demolish a former site in Savile Row, and replace it with a development that will include an academy for apprentice tailors.

In 2008, London had 156 open police station counters. But the Standard can reveal that the number is now 36, meaning more than 75 per cent have closed. For comparison, the city has around 180 branches of McDonald's. Many stations have been sold, while a few have become staff use only. The figure is set to go even lower, with a plan to have only one in each of the 32 boroughs. A new academic study suggests the closures have led to a significant negative effect on the most serious crimes.

The closures have doubled the average distance to the nearest police station for Londoners - from about a mile to roughly two. Around the country, more than 600 out of 900 police stations in England have shut. However, London has been hit the hardest.

Opinions differ on who is responsible.

In their mayoral campaigns, successive Tory candidates Shaun Bailey and Susan Hall both blamed Mayor Sadiq Khan, and posed outside police stations that he had supposedly closed. However, only 73 police stations were still open when Khan became Mayor-most were shut under predecessor Boris Johnson.

この記事は Evening Standard の June 18, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Evening Standard の June 18, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

EVENING STANDARDのその他の記事すべて表示
In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos
The London Standard

In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos

Tim Shipman’s fourth and final tome covers Johnson to Sunak, via Truss

time-read
4 分  |
November 28, 2024
Is this government full of amateurs?
The London Standard

Is this government full of amateurs?

Labour's hard landing has revealed a cabinet struggling with the basics

time-read
4 分  |
November 28, 2024
It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States
The London Standard

It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States

Emma Hayes closed the book on 12 trophy-laden years at Chelsea with her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title in May.

time-read
6 分  |
November 28, 2024
Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?
The London Standard

Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?

Rebuilding his ageing side will bea greater challenge than building it in the first place for one of the greats

time-read
3 分  |
November 28, 2024
London wins battle of the global city brands again...
The London Standard

London wins battle of the global city brands again...

...but the capital still has plenty of work to do ifit wants to keep that crown

time-read
4 分  |
November 28, 2024
At home with...Earl of East
The London Standard

At home with...Earl of East

The duo behind the fragrance brand have made a Leyton new-build their sanctuary

time-read
4 分  |
November 28, 2024
How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology
The London Standard

How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology

INDIA BLOCKspeaks to paediatrician and TV writer Dr Neal Baer about the controversial advancement

time-read
4 分  |
November 28, 2024
This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving
The London Standard

This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving

AIl through a bright, bitter winter day I was smiling because I was coming to see Jack Thorne's adapAtation of Charles Dickens's story again.

time-read
2 分  |
November 28, 2024
Market merrymaking
The London Standard

Market merrymaking

Bundle up in your warmest coat, hat and mittens to visit the best Christmas markets in the UK.

time-read
3 分  |
November 28, 2024
Festive favourites
The London Standard

Festive favourites

Perfect your Christmas spread with a vibrant spin on a seasonal staple.

time-read
2 分  |
November 28, 2024