A crackdown on crime and antisocial behaviour is being pledged by Council chiefs, the police and community leaders.

The move comes against the background of rising anti-social behaviour, particularly involving youngsters around green spaces, and concerns over drug dealing and knife crime.

The police and Council insist that crime levels in the borough are low compared to other parts of the capital.

However, Richmond does have the highest level of underage drinking and associated hospital admissions in the whole of London.

The Richmond borough Community Safety Partnership (CSP) has launched a consultation asking residents to help determine which types of crime should be prioritised.

The most recent official crime figures show that reports of anti-social behaviour to the police are higher than before the Covid-related spike.

On more positive news Richmond borough has –

The lowest crime rate in London for the last three years.

The lowest knife crime rate in London. There were big reductions in knife crime in 2020 which has been maintained during 2021.

Robbery has decreased significantly and is the third lowest in London.

Crimes with children and young people as either a victim or suspect have also decreased.

There has been a 43% reduction in residential burglary over five years.

There has been a reduction in vehicle crime from 1,382 in 2017 to 1,132 in 2021.

There has been a decline in domestic abuse reporting over the past year and this is highly likely to be under-reported.

There has been a 15% decline in racist and religious offences 46 fewer reports.

Homophobic crime increased by 5 reports which is a 28% increase from 2019 to 2021.

The Leader of Richmond Council, Council Leader, Gareth Roberts, said: "We work with our partners through the CSP to prevent and reduce the risk and harm of crime and anti-social behaviour in Richmond upon Thames, so that it continues to be a safe place for everyone.

"Richmond upon Thames has had the lowest crime rate in London for the last three years, but there is plenty of work to be done to further reduce these crime rates and to protect the most vulnerable within our communities.

"The new Community Safety Strategy will set out our priority areas and I want these areas to be aligned with what residents think we need to focus on, so please fill in the survey and share it with your friends and family."

The priorities of the news strategy are likely to feature-

* Ensuring safer neighbourhoods by tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, burglary, motor vehicle crime and violent crime such as robbery and knife crime

* Preventing violence against women and girls

* Preventing offending and reducing reoffending

* Tackling hate crime, extremism and radicalisation

* Keeping children and young people safe

Take part in the consultation and read more about local crime trends and community safety issues - https://haveyoursay.citizenspace.com/richmondce/cs22/