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.

Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin June 18, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin June 18, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

EVENING STANDARD DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Don't Want Botox? Then Try These Alternatives
The London Standard

Don't Want Botox? Then Try These Alternatives

From microcurrents to lasers, there are other ways to tackle ageing skin, says Madeleine Spencer

time-read
5 dak  |
October 31, 2024
It's high time the Borthwick regime delivers on promise
The London Standard

It's high time the Borthwick regime delivers on promise

England boss needs a statement win and the All Blacks are up first

time-read
3 dak  |
October 31, 2024
Bukayo Saka
The London Standard

Bukayo Saka

The making of a London icon

time-read
6 dak  |
October 31, 2024
Even Ridley Scott thinks our big screens are epic
The London Standard

Even Ridley Scott thinks our big screens are epic

Outernet is now one of London's top attractions --but the man behind it isn't resting on his laurels

time-read
4 dak  |
October 31, 2024
Laura Bailey on why Margate is her favourite escape in the UK
The London Standard

Laura Bailey on why Margate is her favourite escape in the UK

Incredible light, sea air, galleries galore and only two hours from Victoria: it's the model and photographer's dreamland...

time-read
5 dak  |
October 31, 2024
The Old Operating Theatre
The London Standard

The Old Operating Theatre

St Thomas Street, SE1

time-read
4 dak  |
October 31, 2024
Can drugs like Ozempic really help to getthe economy firing again?
The London Standard

Can drugs like Ozempic really help to getthe economy firing again?

Labour's plan to give the unemployed weight-loss jabs may have unintended consequences, reports William Hosie

time-read
2 dak  |
October 31, 2024
AI is the new frontier of perfumery...But just how fragrantare these scents?
The London Standard

AI is the new frontier of perfumery...But just how fragrantare these scents?

Choosing a signature scent is a highly personal experience. Not only do preferences differ greatly, but certain perfumes react differently depending on your skin. Bergamot top notes may be intoxicating on one person's wrist, but seem soapy on another.

time-read
1 min  |
October 31, 2024
Is it time to ditch the apps and embrace the science of love at first sight?
The London Standard

Is it time to ditch the apps and embrace the science of love at first sight?

The chemistry of love isn't just a romantic ideal - it's a scientific reality, discovers

time-read
4 dak  |
October 31, 2024
A poetic puzzlebox
The London Standard

A poetic puzzlebox

This lyrical novel sets out to dazzle and terrify

time-read
3 dak  |
October 31, 2024