Crime and antisocial behavior in the centre of Hackney have fallen significantly in two months, according to new council data.
The reduction of recorded crimes on Narrow Way and Mare Street in Hackney Central, which dropped from 75 in July to 53 in September of 2021, is due to a joint project with the Metropolitan Police, said the council.
The project was initiated in response to a conversation with over 2000 local residents in 2019. Safety was the most prevalent issue reported within the community.
Specifically, residents cited antisocial behavior, drug use, public urination and street drinking as the main challenges of living in the area.
However, Hackney Central’s crime rate for 2021, excluding December, is 117.58 per every 1000 residents – still 16 per cent higher than the borough’s average.
Theft was the top crime in Hackney Central last year, taking up nearly 30 per cent of all crime incidents. Violence against persons was the second highest at 26 per cent.
In response, the council and police’s joint crime project saw three individuals who were responsible for a significant amount of antisocial behaviour in Hackney Central issued community protection notices.
Additionally, police seized counterfeit tobacco from a local business and found an additional £2,200 worth of it on a member of the public. Residents in need of support were also referred to local services through Young Hackney and other local organizations.
Councillor Susan Fajana-Thomas, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said in a statement: “We’ll continue to listen to what local people have told us about making Hackney Central safer and we’ll work with traders, partners and residents to help make sure Hackney is a place everyone can enjoy. I would urge anyone experiencing antisocial behaviour to report it to the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers.”
Hackney Central’s updated crime rate for November is 12 per 1000 residents, slightly higher than the borough’s average of 11 and London’s average which stands at 8 per 1000 residents. The top reported crime was harassment and anti-social behaviour with 25 incidents.
In case of an emergency, residents should call 999. They can also report non emergencies by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
