Balham

Priority 1 – Robbery
There has been an increase in the number of shoplifters targeting commercial and retail stores in Balham. Officers have put together current and future operations to combat this as well aiming to provide high visibility patrols.

Issued 07 January 2026

Balham DWOs will liaise with local schools to deliver safety talks to students and children when requested, promoting awareness and prevention. Officers will host engagement events with the Community Safety Officer upon their availability to listen to community concerns and provide crime prevention advice & guidance. High-visibility and plain-clothes patrols will be increased around Balham High Road, Balham Tube, and Wandsworth Common Rail Station to deter and detect offenders. This priority also includes addressing shoplifting incidents where offenders have confronted staff and stolen items. These actions aim to prevent offences, reassure the public, and strengthen community confidence through proactive engagement and visible policing in key locations.

Actioned 06 April 2026

Priority 2 – Burglary:
Burglary has affected residents and businesses within the Balham Ward. Officers provide cocooning crime intervention to residents in the vicinity of where a Burglary had occurred as well reassure local businesses. Due to less day light hours, DWO’s will look to provide high visibility foot or mobile in these areas.

Issued 07 January 2026

Balham DWOs will focus on burglary prevention through cocooning visits to addresses affected by recent incidents, providing guidance on securing homes and reporting suspicious activity. Officers will also host stalls and work closely with the Community Safety Officer to share crime prevention advice and address concerns. Increased visibility and targeted patrols will support these efforts, aiming to reduce burglary opportunities and improve public confidence. The impact and effectiveness of these actions will be assessed through community feedback and crime trends, ensuring a proactive approach to safeguarding homes and businesses in Balham.

Actioned 06 April 2026

Priority 3 – Theft:
Theft will mainly be focused on the high street, and roads that have parking meters where some scams have taken place. Officers will be vigilant upon foot patrols.

Issued 07 January 2026

Balham DWOs will tackle theft offences, including mobile phone theft, pickpocketing, parcel theft, card scams, and shoplifting. Officers will host crime prevention stalls on the high street and near transport hubs, distributing leaflets and engaging with the public on safeguarding personal belongings. The team will liaise with businesses affected by theft and continue targeted operations to address shoplifting. High-visibility and plain-clothes patrols will be deployed in hotspot areas, including Cavendish Road, Nightingale Lane, and Ramsden Road, to deter offenders. These actions aim to reduce theft opportunities, raise awareness, and reassure the community.

Actioned 06 April 2026