The New Malden police front counter will close as part of the latest round of cuts to public services.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced today that, due to reduced government funding for police, many counters and stations across the city will be closed to use to money to pay for more “bobbies on the beat”.

This follows a consultation held between July and October this year.

Mayor’s Office statistics show an average of zero crimes were recorded at the volunteer-run counter in the CI Tower each day in May, when data was collected in the build-up to the consultation.

People are increasingly expected to report crime by phone, and an online reporting service was launched for testing in March.

Mr Khan said: “Keeping Londoners safe is my number-one priority, and supporting officers out on the beat in our communities is more important than keeping open buildings that are simply not used by the vast majority of the public.”

Now the only front counter in the borough will be in Kingston.

Mr Khan said: “I am confident that these final plans maintain the best possible service for Londoners, and will provide the access to the police that they need – especially in an emergency.

“The combination of one 24/7 front counter in every borough, more dedicated local officers in better contact with the communities they serve, and a significantly improved online service will mean that Londoners are able to contact the police in the way that suits them best.”