Brixton North: Met trialling bimonthly VAWG patrols near O2 Academy

Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are currently trialling bimonthly Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) patrols in the Brixton North ward. This proactive initiative stems from safety concerns highlighted by local residents through the Met Engage priority survey and aims to increase the visible guardianship of women in high-footfall areas.

Targeted Patrols at O2 Academy and Stockwell Road

The patrols have primarily focused on the footprint of the O2 Academy Brixton due to the significant crowds drawn to the venue. In addition to addressing VAWG concerns, these operations have allowed officers to disrupt secondary criminal activity, specifically targeting phone snatching and robbery hotspots along Stockwell Road.

Recent crime data for the Brixton area indicates that violence and sexual offences remain a significant challenge, with over 2,200 offences recorded in the last year. By concentrating resources around the O2 Academy and the Stockwell Road corridor, the Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is working to suppress these figures and deter opportunistic offenders who target commuters and concert-goers.

Community Connection and Resident Involvement

The police statement noted that these patrols have "allowed for many engagement opportunities and connections in the local community." Officers have been conducting "Walk and Talk" events—where female residents can join officers on a patrol to point out areas where they feel unsafe—to better understand environmental factors like poor lighting or hidden alleyways that contribute to fear of crime.

However, the force has expressed a desire to "boost attendance of local residents from the Brixton North ward" at these sessions. To further this engagement, the team is hosting regular "Cuppa with a Copper" events at O Cantinho De Portugal on Stockwell Road and formal Ward Panel Meetings at Robsart Street to discuss local policing priorities.

How to Get Involved

Residents who would like to speak with officers about VAWG, suggest specific patrol routes, or raise other areas of concern are invited to email the team at BrixtonNorth@met.police.uk. Reporting non-emergency incidents via 101 or the Met Engage portal remains essential for helping the police build an accurate map of local hotspots and justify the continuation of these specialist patrols.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION:

This report is based on official data from Metropolitan Police.

Document: Local Priorities Violence against women and girls Message

Source Link: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/432083/Local-Priorities-Violence-against-women-and-girls-Message

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