Croydon town centre policing update: Strong start to 2026 and safer streets ahead

Superintendent Luke Dillon shares the latest updates on policing and partnership working in Croydon town centre.

The start of 2026 has brought genuinely positive news for Croydon. In January, our annual crime review showed a headline reduction in overall crime across central Croydon. February brought further encouragement, with serious violent crime (including murder) falling to its lowest levels in many years. Then in March, we celebrated a major milestone: the arrest of our 150th offender using the town centre’s static facial recognition system.

Within the town centre, antisocial behaviour and overall crime continue to drop. These successes reflect the hard work and collaboration between our policing teams, council partners, Croydon BID, and local businesses.

While I’m encouraged by this progress, I’m always mindful that crime still occurs and victims still need support – we are not complacent.

How We’ve Been Working

From January to March, we’ve focused on live facial recognition, hotspot policing, and targeting our most prolific offenders. These methods do more than displace crime, they prevent it.

We’ve also carried out high-profile warrants, seizing drugs, weapons, and cash, and worked with the council to enforce the PSPO and tackle antisocial behaviour affecting local businesses.

Looking Ahead

The future looks positive. New Home Office funding will expand our partnership presence in Croydon town centre, develop new workspace, and increase camera coverage to respond quickly to emerging issues.

An uplift in Sergeants, Police Constables, and PCSOs means more visible policing across transport hubs and the High Street – a boost we know businesses value.

A Call to Action for Businesses

Local businesses play a vital role in keeping Croydon town centre safe. Reporting incidents, sharing CCTV, providing statements, and flagging suspicious activity helps us build a clearer picture of what’s happening on the ground. Together, we can keep Croydon a safer, more welcoming place to shop, work, and do business.

We’re seeing real improvements, and we’re determined to do even more with your continued support.

To report incidents or suspicious activity, businesses should call 999 in an emergency, 101 for non-emergencies, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.

To stay informed about local policing activity and updates in Croydon, you can sign up to MET Engage, the Metropolitan Police’s community engagement platform.

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