Reports of anti-social behaviour and crime have been numerous in recent months, with residents experiencing particular problems around Richmond Green and the riverside.

But new figures show that violent crime has fallen by more than half.

They were revealed by Sergeant Scott Brodie in the first edition of a newsletter which will detail the multi-agency response to anti-social behaviour issues and residents' concerns.

A new Richmond Green Working Group has been set up to develop and deliver a plan of action to improve the situation.

In the Richmond Green & Riverside Newsletter, Sgt Brodie wrote: "Prior to the lockdown being lifted a plan to tackle violence with injury and robberies in particular, was put together and implemented by the South Richmond ward team.

"The plan saw the use of a mobile CCTV van, officers from the Metropolitan police special constabulary, officers from the violence suppression unit and officers from all different wards across Richmond borough.

Read more: 'Private police force' may be coming to Richmond as Green residents seek own protection

"Stop and search was utilised based on the intelligence we were getting and led to many successful arrests and the confiscation of weapons and drugs.

"A preliminary view into the reduction of violence with injury offences – i.e any assault with an injury to the victim and robbery shows that for the period of June, July and August 2019 and the same period in 2020 there has been a 60% reduction in these offences."

Stop and search was used in South Richmond ward 64 times in June, 60 times in July and 33 times last month in August.

Sgt Brodie also detailed a number of incidents that police responded to over this summer period.

• June 26: Richmond Green/Riverside 2 arrests, 6 stop and searches. One male was arrested in possession of a hammer after being pointed out to police by Park Guard on Richmond riverside. A section 35 dispersal notice was issued and 25 people were ordered to disperse from Richmond town centre and the surrounding area.
• June 27.: Richmond Green/Riverside 1 arrest was made for robbery after the suspect was tracked moving across the green from the train station, the robbery occurred in Mortlake. 8 stop and searches were conducted and 11 dispersal notices were given.
• July 3: Richmond Green/Riverside 1 male was arrested for possession with intent to supply drugs, 12 stop and searches were conducted and 1 vehicle was searched.
• July 4: 7 stop and searches in Richmond Town centre/Green, one vehicle was searched and some cannabis was found.
• July 24: Richmond Green/Riverside 3 stop and searches, resulting in two arrests and community resolutions were issued for possession of cannabis.
• July 31: Richmond Green/Riverside 3 stop and searches for drugs.
• August 15: 1 arrest was made for affray and possession of an offensive weapon, 1 stop and search where drugs were found and 1 weapon was recovered.
• August 22: Richmond Green/Riverside 17 stop and searches, 3 arrests for possession with intent to supply drugs, being wanted on warrant and for breach of a criminal behaviour order.

'Police in Richmond need more resources to help fight the scourge of crime'