West Hill

Motor Vehicle Crime - E-bike riding/construction.

Issued 20 October 2026

Scanning
Residents raised concerns at the recent Ward Panel Meeting regarding the increasing misuse of e-bikes across the ward. Reports include dangerous riding on pavements, anti-social behaviour, riders intimidating members of the public, and the use of e-bikes in vehicle-enabled criminality. Recent police activity has identified offenders using e-bikes to facilitate crime, with one recent stop resulting in the seizure of an e-bike and the recovery of a knife.

Analysis
Intelligence and community feedback indicate that offenders are using e-bikes due to their speed, manoeuvrability and ability to evade police and traffic restrictions. The behaviour has negatively impacted public confidence, particularly in town centres, transport hubs and other areas with high footfall. There is also evidence linking e-bikes to acquisitive crime, drug-related activity and the carrying of weapons.

Response
Conduct targeted patrols in identified hotspot locations.
Utilise stop and search powers where grounds exist and proactively target known offenders.
Seize unlawfully used e-bikes where legislation permits.
Work with partner agencies to identify repeat offenders and locations affected by anti-social riding.
Conduct engagement with residents, businesses and schools to gather intelligence and provide reassurance.
Use enforcement and prevention opportunities to disrupt vehicle-enabled crime facilitated by e-bikes.

Assessment
Monitor reports of anti-social riding, vehicle-enabled crime and public complaints.
Review stop and search outcomes, seizures and arrests linked to e-bike offending.
Assess community feedback through Ward Panel Meetings, Met Engage and partner agencies.
Measure reductions in repeat incidents at identified hotspot locations and improvements in public confidence.

Actioned 13 January 2027

Anti-Social Behaviour

Issued 20 October 2026

Scanning
Anti-social behaviour has been identified as a significant concern within the ward through police reports, partner agency referrals, community intelligence, and feedback from residents. Issues include youth-related ASB, street drinking, nuisance vehicles, noise complaints, and groups congregating in public spaces causing harassment, alarm, or distress to local communities.
Analysis
Review of incidents identifies recurring ASB hotspots, particularly around parks, shopping areas, residential estates, and transport hubs. Peak demand is typically during evenings, weekends, and school holidays. Analysis indicates a small number of repeat offenders and locations contribute disproportionately to reported incidents, negatively impacting community confidence and perceptions of safety.
Response

Conduct targeted high-visibility patrols in identified ASB hotspot locations during peak times.
Engage with individuals involved in ASB, utilising appropriate intervention and enforcement powers where necessary.
Work closely with local authority ASB teams, housing providers, schools, youth services, and other partner agencies to address underlying causes.
Develop and utilise problem-solving plans for repeat offenders and locations.
Conduct community engagement events, ward walks, and social media campaigns to gather intelligence, reassure residents, and promote reporting.
Consider the use of Community Protection Warnings/Notices, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, Criminal Behaviour Orders, and other relevant legislation where appropriate.

Assessment
Success will be measured through:

Reduction in recorded ASB incidents across the ward.
Reduction in repeat calls relating to identified hotspot locations.
Improved community confidence and resident satisfaction.
Increased partner agency engagement and problem-solving outcomes.
Positive enforcement and diversionary outcomes for individuals involved in ASB.

Priority Aim
To reduce anti-social behaviour across the ward through partnership working, targeted enforcement, early intervention, and community engagement, improving public confidence and ensuring residents feel safe within their neighbourhoods.

Actioned 13 January 2027

Shoplifting

Issued 20 October 2026

Scanning
Shoplifting has been identified as a growing concern within the ward, with a notable increase in reported offences over recent months. Local retailers, businesses, and community members have raised concerns regarding the impact of retail crime on staff safety, business viability, and community confidence. Repeat offending and associated criminality have been highlighted through crime reports and intelligence submissions.
Analysis
Crime and intelligence analysis identifies a number of repeat offenders responsible for a disproportionate number of offences across the ward. Incidents are concentrated around key retail locations and shopping areas, with offending occurring throughout the day but increasing during peak trading periods. Shoplifting is often linked to substance misuse, acquisitive crime, and organised retail offending, requiring a combination of enforcement and partnership interventions.
Response

Conduct targeted high-visibility patrols in retail hotspots, particularly during peak offending times.
Develop intelligence packages on prolific offenders and utilise offender management tactics to disrupt criminal activity.
Work closely with retailers, store security staff, Business Crime Reduction Partnerships, and partner agencies to improve intelligence sharing and evidence gathering.
Pursue positive outcomes for offenders through robust investigations, use of CCTV, and timely suspect identification.
Promote the use of crime prevention measures and encourage prompt reporting of offences by businesses.
Consider the use of Criminal Behaviour Orders and other relevant enforcement measures against persistent offenders.

Assessment
Success will be measured through:

Reduction in recorded shoplifting offences compared to the previous reporting period.
Increased detection and positive outcome rates for shoplifting offences.
Identification and disruption of prolific offenders.
Improved engagement and confidence among local retailers.
Reduction in repeat offending and repeat victimisation of retail premises.

Priority Aim
To reduce shoplifting and associated retail crime within the ward through targeted enforcement, proactive offender management, effective partnership working, and increased engagement with local businesses, improving safety and confidence within the retail community.

Actioned 13 January 2027