Croydon Town Centre Police Update – January 2025

An update from town centre Inspector Miriam Chapman-Rosenfeld.
January has been a busy month for Croydon Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), with targeted operations focused on tackling crime, supporting businesses, and improving safety in the town centre.

From cracking down on knife crime and drug offences to addressing mobile phone theft and prioritising the safety of women and girls, officers have been working proactively to disrupt criminal activity and protect the community. While crime remains a challenge, these efforts reflect a continued commitment to making Croydon a safer place for residents, shoppers, and businesses alike.

Operation Redwood: Proactive Crime Prevention Continues

Operation Redwood, a key initiative aimed at reducing knife crime and antisocial behaviour, will continue into the next financial year following its success over recent months.

In the last quarter alone, officers conducted 78 stop-and-searches, resulting in 25 arrests and the seizure of three weapons.

One of the operation’s standout moments occurred on 18th January, when 20 officers—both in uniform and plain clothes—conducted targeted patrols in the town centre, supported by the police dogs unit.

During the operation, officers stopped and searched a male, discovering 17 bags of cannabis, along with phone evidence of drug dealing. The individual was arrested for Possession with Intent to Supply Class B drugs. A subsequent search of their address led to the discovery of a burner phone and multiple bank cards not in their name, resulting in a further arrest for handling stolen goods.

On the same day, officers stopped a Volvo driving erratically. Upon searching the vehicle, 10 snap bags of white powder were found, along with further evidence of drug dealing on the suspect’s phone. The driver was arrested for Possession with Intent to Supply Class A drugs.

Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

A dedicated officer is now in place to proactively investigate VAWG-related offences, moving beyond engagement to a firm enforcement role that directly tackles offenders who make women and girls feel unsafe.

Additionally, an upcoming day of action will focus on gathering intelligence on VAWG offences and working closely with town centre businesses to identify and address concerns.

If you have information about individuals making you feel unsafe, please report this online so action can be taken.

https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

https://www.met.police.uk/notices/street-safe/street-safe/

Cracking Down on Mobile Phone Theft

With mobile phone theft an ongoing concern, Operation Reckoning has been launched to target offenders and disrupt illegal trading.

Recent activity has included:

  • 14 phone shops visited and 70 phones checked to identify stolen devices.
  • High-visibility patrols in known robbery hotspots to deter crime.
  • Four premises visited alongside Trading Standards, leading to the seizure of 600 non-compliant vapes and a selection of phone cases.
  • Further investigations into certain premises following the week of action.

While challenges remain, these efforts aim to disrupt criminal networks and improve security for businesses and residents alike.

An Ongoing Commitment to Croydon’s Safety

Crime remains a key concern in Croydon, and while policing operations have delivered important results, the work is far from over. The Metropolitan Police Service remains committed to tackling crime through targeted enforcement, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with local businesses and the community.

By continuing to take action against offenders and working in partnership with stakeholders, the goal remains clear—to make Croydon town centre a safer place for everyone.