Croydon BID strengthens safety measures with match-funded police patrols and extended Street Ranger coverage

Croydon Business Improvement District (BID) is stepping up its support for businesses and visitors during the busy festive period by partnering with Croydon Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to deliver 212 additional hours of police presence over three key weekends leading up to Christmas.
Through a match-funding partnership with Croydon MPS, Croydon BID is introducing 212 additional hours of police patrols over three critical weekends leading up to Christmas.

Starting Thursday 5th December, these extra patrols will focus on high-traffic areas from late afternoon through to midnight on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, enhancing safety during the town centre’s busiest trading and festive season.

This initiative comes at a crucial time as Croydon’s retailers brace for the Christmas rush and hospitality venues prepare for the party season.

By concentrating on key evening and night-time hours, the additional police presence will provide businesses and visitors with the reassurance they need while navigating the town centre during these busy weeks.

Our top priority is to provide increased coverage leading up to Christmas, and our partnership with Croydon BID is vital for boosting public safety during this busy season. By aligning overtime for officers with BID funding, we’re maximising our resources to deliver a strong, visible police presence. Our officers will be actively patrolling high-footfall areas, tackling antisocial behaviour, and prioritising efforts to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG). This collaborative approach ensures we can best serve the community, create a safe environment, and support businesses and visitors as they shop, dine, and socialise without fear. This additional support reinforces our commitment to protecting the community and fostering a safer Croydon for all.
Inspector Miriam Chapman-Rosenfeld, Croydon Metropolitan Police Service

Complementing the additional police patrols, Croydon BID has also added an extra day of patrolling for its Street Ranger team. This updated schedule adds an additional day of patrols each week in December, contributing 128 extra hours of support across the month.

This change extends the Street Ranger service from five days a week to six, ensuring greater coverage when businesses and visitors require assistance.

The Croydon BID Street Rangers are proving to be an invaluable service to our town centre business community. The increased provision of visibility, reassurance and support our Street Rangers will provide during the festive season is geared towards supporting the reduction of crime and anti-social behaviour, allowing our businesses to trade with confidence, safe in the knowledge that assistance is on hand.
Matthew Sims, Chief Executive, Croydon BID

While the Croydon BID Street Rangers focus on providing a visible presence and essential support during trading hours, the additional police patrols address safety needs during peak evening and night-time periods. Together, these initiatives ensure Croydon town centre remains a safe and welcoming destination for businesses and visitors throughout the festive season.