MET POLICE DEFEND PUBLIC COUNTER CLOSURE AT TWICKENHAM POLICE STATION
The Metropolitan Police has defended the closure of the public counter at Twickenham police station in a detailed letter following concerns expressed by local Lib Dem MP’s.
The letter is sent to MP’s including Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, local MP Munira Wilson and council leader Cllr.Gareth Roberts from Hayley Stewart, Commander of Frontline Policing for the Met police.
Here is the full letter:
Thank you for your letter regarding the proposed changes to the front counter provision in South West London.
As you may be aware from recent media coverage, the Metropolitan Police Service is facing a significant budget gap this year of £260 million, and as a result we are having to make a number of tough choices to balance our books.
This includes shrinking our workforce by approximately 1,700 officers and staff, whilst prioritising and protecting Neighbourhood Policing, Response Policing, and Public Protection, which are the services that Londoners consistently tell us matter most to them.
The decision to put forward initial high-level proposals, which include closing some front counters in the South West area, is not one taken lightly.
It is based on a detailed assessment of demand, accessibility, geography and operational alignment with teams and custody suites.
We have reviewed the operational design of your BCU to ensure that Londoners have access to these essential services.
This comprehensive evaluation has been integrated into our operational design to take into account the closures and still provide the public with assistance.
We know that the primary reason Londoners need to contact the police is to report crime and the way that they have chosen to do this has changed considerably over the years.
According to our proposal, the Kingston front counter will remain operational, although its opening hours will be reduced,
It is important to note that 83% of crimes reported at the front counter occur between 09:00 and 22:00, which aligns with the proposed revised hours for Kingston.
The highest volume of reports takes place between 15:00 and 16:00. Additionally, the average number of crimes reported per day at front counters that we are proposing to close is as follows:
– Wimbledon & Mitcham: 2.5 (combined total)
– Twickenham: 2.4
– Lavender Hill: 3.1In contrast, 95% of crime is now reported via phone, online, or directly to officers in the community.
This shift in public behaviour, coupled with the financial pressures we face, has led us to reassess how best to use our limited resources.
We recognise your concerns about accessibility, particularly for vulnerable constituents.
We are engaging with impacted groups and completing an Equality Impact Assessment to ensure the needs of particular groups are considered.
We have a number of alternative methods to contact us, which include:
• Online forms
• Telephone 999 in emergency or 101 in non-emergency
• Telephone interpreter services
• Text Relay Service on 18000 (for hearing impaired and/or speech impaired)
• 999BSL to report an emergency in BSL
• Text 61016 on public transport
• Anonymous reporting via Crimestoppers (online or by phone)
• Social media via Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter)
We have also recently introduced:
• Video appointments – which have been successfully used by over 21,000 victims in London with 97% choosing this method over in-person appointments with a police officer.
• Met Engage – our new digital platform enabling two-way communication between residents and their local ward teams.
• Remote witness statements – offering convenience and flexibility for those unable to attend in person.
In addition, we are reviewing coverage and upgrading the weatherproof phones which are outside some of our police buildings, connecting directly to 101 or 999 services and piloting the use of a video screen outside of Met buildings as another potential alternative, which can be used to contact police.
We are also exploring options to enable Deaf people to contact us in non-emergency situations. As part of our proposal, we have considered factors such as the availability of transport, the accessibility of the counters and the distance to the next nearest open counter.
Importantly, whilst front counters may close, I want to be clear that the police stations themselves will remain operational, and officers will continue to be based locally.
As part of our commitment to neighbourhood policing, we are actively exploring all options to ensure officers are within a 20-minute walk of their ward boundaries.
This includes working with local authorities and other partners to develop co-location opportunities.
I would also note that these proposals are not final. They are subject to consultation with the Trade Unions and ongoing design work.
Finally, it is important to respond to your comment regarding crime levels. Over the past year, the Metropolitan Police Service has made measurable progress in reducing crime across London, as tracked by the London Policing Board.
1 The dashboard highlights improvements in key areas aligned with the Commissioner’s New Met for London Plan including reductions in neighbourhood crime, increased charge rates and enhanced victim satisfaction. These gains reflect a strategic focus on rebuilding trust, improving operational effectiveness and delivering safer communities for all Londoners.
Should you wish to discuss local policing provision further, your local policing leads would welcome this conversation, and we have asked them to reach out to you directly.
Thank you again for taking the time to write. We remain committed to ensuring that your constituents have access to policing services that are modern, responsive and rooted in the community.
Yours sincerely,
Commander Hayley Sewart