Merton Council and Safer Merton – a partnership of the council, police and other agencies – is taking action to make the borough even more secure and ensure residents feel even safer.

Merton is the fourth safest borough in London, but in last year’s Residents Survey 43% of people named crime as their biggest concern – up by 7% on last year’s figures. Whilst this is lower than the London average it is still well out of proportion to the number of crimes actually committed in the area.

To help reassure residents that crime rates in the borough are relatively low, Merton Council Overview and Scrutiny Commission has carried out a review into ways that the council, the police and other agencies can help to reassure people so that they feel safer.

Recommendations put together in the report include improving street lighting and working with residents living in the east of the borough on specific actions to tackle crime and make people feel more secure.

The survey revealed that older people were worried by door to door salesmen and other strangers calling at their doors after dark. The council is now looking at introducing ‘no cold calling or doorstep selling’ zones across the borough.

Assistant chief executive at Merton Council Abdool Kara said: “Feeling safe and secure is essential for people to live a full and active life in the community. We are constantly working with the police and other agencies to tackle local crime and disorder issues, and to reassure local people about their safety and well-being.

“We are extremely grateful to the Overview and Scrutiny Commission for the extensive work that they have done on this review. The review shows that there is already a wide range of initiatives in place to combat fear of crime. We will consider very carefully the various recommendations that have been made, with a view to reassuring residents that Merton really is one of the safest boroughs in London.”

Residents can find out more at http://www.merton.gov.uk/scrutiny

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