Lift London: Looking at London’s Crime & Safety

If serious crime is falling, why do so many Londoners still feel that everyday crime is becoming part of everyday life? 

Throughout Listening to Londoners, we heard concerns about crime and how safe people feel living in the capital. 

Londoners have told us about witnessing offences such as phone theft, pickpocketing and antisocial behaviour on an almost daily basis. 

These may sometimes be described as “low-level” crimes, but does that mean their impact is low-level too? 

A stolen phone can be a major financial loss. Persistent antisocial behaviour can make people reluctant to go out. And the fear of becoming a victim can change the way we use our streets and public spaces. 

What does that do to a community? 

Parents may worry about allowing their children to play outside or cycle around their neighbourhood. Older and more vulnerable Londoners may feel less confident going out alone. And all of us can become a little more cautious about the people and places around us. 

At the same time, Londoners are seeing local police stations close. If people believe everyday crime is becoming more visible, what does the loss of a familiar police presence do to their sense of security? 

Crime isn't only about statistics. How safe we feel can have an enormous effect on how we live. 

So if the figures tell us one story, but the everyday experiences of Londoners tell us another, shouldn't we be looking at both? 

What would it take for Londoners not simply to be safer, but to feel safer in their own communities? 

Can London remain a thriving, diverse and supportive city if ordinary Londoners increasingly feel they can no longer afford to stay? 

At Lift London, we've been listening to Londoners. Now we're looking more closely at what they're telling us and the challenges facing our capital. 

Because before we can decide how to Lift London, we need to understand what is pulling it down. 

Watch our video here: https://youtu.be/1Cy2OLGMbHw

Connect with Lift London: https://help.liftlondon.org.uk

Presented by Sonay Ozkutayli and produced by Henry Weston, Lift London is an initiative run by the London Liberal Democrats to raise awareness of the issues affecting Londoners and explore practical ways to improve life across the capital.