Police in Richmond will be hosting a consultation for residents following the Mayor of London’s proposals to cut the number of police front counters in London.

Sadiq Khan launched a public consultation last months on plans to reduce the number of police front counters in London - with two potential closures in Richmond upon Thames.

The Mayor proposed the cuts would enable an additional £10 million – equivalent to the cost of 170 police constables – to be put into frontline policing in London’s communities.

Cllr Mark Boyle, Richmond Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “With the rise of modern reporting methods, such as online or by calling 101, there has been a drop in the number of people using public counters to report crime.

“Teddington and Richmond have been particularly impacted and the police have told me that for some months, there have been no ‘over the counter’ crimes reported there at all.

“However, whilst I appreciate the need to ensure public money is spent wisely, if the counters do close we need to make sure that the money saved is redirected into frontline policing and accessible customer service.”

This could see the closure of the Teddington and Richmond (Sovereign Gate) front counters - which has seen a drop in the amount of public use – leaving the main 24 hour desk in Twickenham as the only customer access point.

Police have committed that other customer access points will be identified in the borough and have now announced a consultation event for residents to come and find out more about the proposals and have their say.

The event will be held on September 18, 7-9pm, in the Salon (York House).

“I therefore encourage residents to attend the Police engagement event, hear more about the proposals and have their say in the consultation before the deadline,” added the councillor.

To see the Mayor’s consultation, go to: https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/mayors-office-policing-and-crime-mopac/mopac-consultations/share-your-views-accessing-met