Richmond and Bushy Parks Safer Parks Panel was notified by the Met Police that its park force will shut by December 2025.

On Friday, 14 February, the panel was also was updated that the Royal Parks Police will continue until "at least" 31 March 2025.

News that the Royal Parks Police, which patrol Richmond and Bushy Parks, could be disbanded due to Met funding cuts broke in December last year.

Since the news broke out, local MPs and Richmond Council have both campaigned against the Royal Parks Police disbandment.

Currently, there are seven police officers dedicated across Richmond and Bushy Parks, "and they provide an invaluable service keeping crime low," says Richmond and Bushy Parks Safer Parks panel member Matt Allchurch.