The Safer Neighbourhood Board meeting scheduled for 17 March 2026 was set to cover a range of community safety matters, including an update on crime statistics, proposals for funding community safety initiatives, and discussions on policing strategies. The meeting also included a review of updates from ward panels across the borough.

Safer Neighbourhood Board Data Pack and Supporting Analytical Information

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to be dedicated to a discussion of the Safer Neighbourhood Board Data Pack, presented by police representatives. This pack, available in the Public reports pack 17th-Mar-2026 18.30 Safer Neighbourhood Board, contained analytical information and crime statistics for the borough. The data pack detailed crime types such as burglary, robbery, motor vehicle crime, sexual offences, and violence against the person, broken down by ward. It also included information from the Trust and Confidence Survey, which measures public perception of the Metropolitan Police Service.

The data pack highlighted trends in crime over the 12 months ending February 2026. For instance, burglary figures showed a decrease of 7.5%, while violence against the person offences saw an increase of 9.7%. Motor vehicle theft had risen by 5.9%, contrasting with a decrease in theft from motor vehicles. Sexual offences had increased by 12% over the same period.

The report pack also detailed ward-level crime statistics. For example, in the 12 months ending February 2026, Wandsworth Town recorded the highest number of robberies (23), while Tooting Broadway had the highest number of sexual offences (21). Violence against the person was most prevalent in Tooting Broadway, with 164 recorded incidents.

The Trust and Confidence Survey results indicated a slight decrease in public trust across several measures compared to the previous year. For example, the percentage of respondents who felt the Met treated everyone fairly decreased from 64% to 62%.

SNB Funding Proposals 2026-27

The board was scheduled to consider and approve proposed schemes for Safer Neighbourhood Board (SNB) funding for the 2026-27 financial year. The specific proposals were to be circulated before the meeting.

Questions for the Superintendent for Wandsworth

The agenda indicated that there would be an opportunity for the board to ask questions of the Superintendent for Wandsworth. Questions were to be submitted by noon on Friday, 13th March, via email to stephanieann.burke@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk.

Stop and Search Update

A verbal update on stop and search activities was scheduled to be provided by Andrew Healey, the Stop and Search Lead. This update was for information purposes. The Minutes Pack SNB Dec 2025 from a previous meeting noted that the Stop and Search Co-Lead had been seeking information and training materials from the Central Stop and Search Team to support the induction of new members to the panel.

Ward Panel Chair Comments and Updates

The meeting was also scheduled to receive comments and updates from Ward Panel Chairs across the borough. These updates, available in the Ward Panel Updates March 2026, provided local perspectives on community safety issues. For example, the Trinity Ward Panel Chair reported an increase in offences, which was attributed to the abstraction of officers for protests and demonstrations. They also noted dissatisfaction with the control of e-bikes and e-scooters. The Furzedown Ward Panel noted an increase in robberies, partly due to known offenders reappearing, and discussed a TikTok trend involving young people damaging front doors. They also highlighted ongoing issues with fly-tipping and church break-ins. The Southfields Ward Panel reported the return of their experienced Dedicated Ward Officer (DWO) and PCSO from sick leave, alongside new police constables, a Sergeant, and an Inspector.

Custody Update

No written update was provided for the custody update on this occasion.

Other Business and Next Meeting

The agenda also included a slot for Any Other Business and the confirmation of the date for the next meeting, which was scheduled for 9th June 2026 at Wandsworth Town Hall.