Croydon is increasing the number of uniformed patrols across the borough to help tackle antisocial behaviour and support residents and businesses, building on the success of current safety measures already in place.

As part of the Executive Mayor of Croydon’s zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour in Croydon, the patrols will be carried out by Parkguard, our accredited community safety officers who work alongside the Council and Police. Fully uniformed officers will carry out regular patrols across the town centre and surrounding areas. Patrols have already started on Council housing estates where residents have asked for increased visibility.

Officers will provide a more visible presence in Croydon town centre supporting the work of the Town Centre Taskforce and the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). Patrols will also shortly be introduced in Thornton Heath. This will include supporting businesses with any concerns and engaging with people who may be sleeping rough in public spaces and signposting individuals to the right services where appropriate.

In response to tenant feedback, officers will also work alongside housing services and community safety teams on estates to support action on issues such as nuisance gatherings and drug-related trespassing that can affect residents’ quality of life.

Key areas will be regularly patrolled to deter behaviours that can make people feel unsafe. Although they will not have arrest powers, officers will have direct radio contact with the Police so they can quickly escalate situations where enforcement action is needed.

The patrols will provide daily reports about what they have seen, actions taken and details of any further action needed such as tenancy enforcement.

“We have been clear that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated in Croydon. Residents and businesses should be able to go about their day without feeling intimidated or unsafe.

“These extra officers are a direct response to what people have told us they want to see: more visibility and quicker action. Working closely with the Police and our partners, they will help us crack down on antisocial behaviour hotspots and make sure concerns are acted on quickly.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon