The Hounslow Community Safety Partnership Board met on Thursday, 29 January 2026, to discuss crime performance, the London Fire Brigade's contribution to community safety, and updates on information sharing protocols and counter-terrorism efforts. Key discussions included a detailed overview of crime trends, with violence against the person remaining the highest offence category, and a significant increase in drug offences. The board also reviewed the London Fire Brigade's strategies for risk reduction and partnership working.

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The board received a comprehensive overview of crime performance in Hounslow. Violence against the person was identified as the most prevalent offence category, followed by theft, consistent with annual trends. Hounslow's overall crime rate was reported as being in the middle range compared to other London boroughs, at 93 offences per 1,000 population, which is below the London average. Crime heatmaps were presented, indicating wards with darker shading experienced higher concentrations of annual crime.

While burglary showed the largest annual decrease (2024/25), drug offences recorded a significant 36% increase, the largest annual rise. Robbery saw an annual decrease, but possession of weapons increased by 37%, although it remains the lowest-volume offence category. Both sexual offences and robbery saw an increase in December. Drug offences have shown a two-year upward trend, with 2024 being higher than 2025, though Quarter 3 of the current year indicated a downward shift. Hounslow Central continued to report the highest drug-related figures.

Public attitude surveys indicated that trust in the police stood at 70%, which is below the London average. Historically, Hounslow had been above the London average until 2025. Currently, Hounslow stands at 51% trust, above the London average of 46%. The fear of crime, after decreasing in Quarter 1, rose again in Quarter 2.

During the discussion, potential causes for the increased drug-related figures in Hounslow Central were explored, with operational activity, including targeted stop and search, highlighted as a key contributor. Increased patrols in the town centre were reportedly leading to more detections. Concerns were raised about understanding the geographic distribution of fear-of-crime perceptions. An action was agreed for Henriikka Stranden (HS) to explore whether borough-level data could be broken down further. PC noted that survey methodology may disproportionately represent crime victims, who form a niche cohort. Councillor Pritam Grewal (BG) highlighted significant increases in stop and search activity, with an 18% increase year-on-year and an 84% detection rate, which was considered evidence of strong, proactive policing. Elliott Brooks (EB) encouraged communications activity to publicly reflect these positive policing efforts.

London Fire Brigade Contribution to Safer Communities Strategy

Scott Pearsall (SP) presented an update from the London Fire Brigade (LFB), focusing on risk reduction, partnership working, and future planning. The LFB operates under a London-wide Community Risk Management Plan (2023–2029) and a local Borough Risk Management Plan, informed by local data, emerging risks, and engagement priorities. Key focus areas include high-risk commercial premises, vulnerable households, and high-rise buildings requiring remediation, such as those with cladding issues. Approximately 10 buildings were noted as currently operating with simultaneous evacuation and 24-hour fire wardens, with a further 10–15 buildings still awaiting remedial work.

The LFB actively engages with adult and child safeguarding boards and High-risk panels, chaired by station commanders. A significant rise in hoarding cases was reported, with approximately 130 level-5 (high-risk) cases. Two dedicated hoarding officers have been funded by the council. The LFB continues to deliver station open days, fire safety education in schools, and Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs), which are now targeted towards high-risk individuals. They also work with housing providers, care homes, and sheltered accommodation settings. Wildfire response capacity includes four wildfire vehicles, one of which is based in Feltham.

Three recent fatal fires, including two in care homes, have shaped ongoing prevention projects focused on evacuation, staff awareness, and risk assessments. There has been an increase in incidents linked to e-bikes and e-scooter batteries, often involving unsafe charging practices, and the Charge Safe campaign continues across London. Growing financial pressures on the LFB have limited resourcing, although frontline training remains protected.

During the discussion, Christopher Durkin (CD) queried the LFB's role at Heathrow Airport, to which SP advised that the LFB remains the statutory response body. James Rawlinson (JR) advised there is a need for joint working on Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) related to wildfires and BBQ restrictions, and that better integration of LFB and CSP data sets, with GIS mapping proposed by Mandy Skinner (MS), would be beneficial. SP advised that Heathrow conducts joint resilience and emergency planning exercises involving Heathrow, with both SP and JR agreeing that improvements were needed.

Update on Safer Communities Information Sharing Protocol

Henriikka Stranden (HS) presented key points from the report for CSP Members to consider regarding the Safer Communities Information Sharing Protocol. Following discussions, actions were agreed and next steps confirmed before publishing the final report.

CONTEST Update 2025 – 2026

Joan Conlan (JC) and Najeeb Ahmed (NA) presented key points from the report for CSP Members to consider regarding the CONTEST Update 2025–2026. A discussion followed, with additional information shared with the Board.

Any Other Business

Shahernaz Kargar (SK) provided an update on the Reducing Reoffending Plan, explaining that it has an agreed Terms of Reference and that a working group is being convened to meet. Permjit Chadha (PC) presented suggestions for the Community Safety Partnership development day, with themes of engagement and data broadly agreed for inclusion.

The meeting concluded with the noting of future meeting dates. Item 4, Domestic Homicide Review/Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews, was deferred to the next meeting. The public and press were asked to leave the meeting for the discussion of remaining items, which were exempt from publication.