This week, we attended the Kenley Safer Neighbourhood Team Ward Panel meeting at Old Lodge Lane Baptist Church Community Hub, alongside local police officers, residents and community leaders. The meeting was a valuable opportunity to review local crime trends in Kenley, discuss residents’ concerns and agree priorities for the months ahead.
The clear message from the police is that Kenley remains one of the safer wards in Croydon, with overall crime levels broadly stable rather than showing a significant increase. However, we recognise that residents’ sense of safety is shaped not only by statistics, but by day-to-day experiences in Kenley and surrounding areas.
Shoplifting remains a concern, particularly around Kenley Co-op and Tesco Purley. The Police team explained that some of the increase reflects better reporting by retailers, which is important because accurate reporting helps secure the right police resources and targeted patrols.
Violence against the person was also discussed. Most recorded offences locally are domestic-related and take place inside homes, rather than in public spaces. Police confirmed that safeguarding referrals and multi-agency processes are used where vulnerabilities are identified. We welcome this, while recognising the importance of ensuring victims know that support is available.
The panel also reviewed the previous priority around robbery. Following arrests and increased patrols around stations, school routes and known hotspots, the recent spike appears to be under control. As a result, robbery will no longer remain a specific ward priority for Kenley, although the police reassured us this is monitored on a daily basis.
Residents raised strong concerns about speeding, dangerous driving and road safety, including near schools and bends. Speeding will therefore continue as a ward priority. We will support work with police, residents and KENDRA to support their local campaign on speeding.
Anti-social behaviour was another significant theme, particularly around Kenley Station, Old Lodge Lane Costcutter and Kenley Co-op. We also discussed environmental issues such as waste management, maintenance and building management concerns, which can contribute to residents feeling unsafe. The agreed priorities going forward are shoplifting, violence against the person, speeding, and anti-social behaviour.
We are grateful to residents who attended and shared their concerns constructively. The next Ward Panel meeting is scheduled for Monday 20 July at 6.30pm at Old Lodge Lane Baptist Church. We encourage residents to keep reporting incidents, share intelligence through the proper channels, and consider volunteering for the vacant Ward Panel Secretary or Vice Chair roles.
