Crime in Streatham could soar as inexperienced cops are left to run its police station, a police source has warned.

An ongoing management reshuffle will see Lambeth Police announce within weeks that an inspector will be left in charge of Streatham police station, they told the Streatham Guardian.

The source warned that local policing needs, such as controlling prostitution problems, could suffer as the more senior officers controlling other stations in the borough flexed their muscles to ensure resources were poured into their areas.

He said: “The question is whether the inspector will be able to demand resources in the same way a superintendent can. Streatham could see resources for its specific problems such as vice diminish further.”

Lambeth is currently divided into three command centres run from Brixton, Kennington and Streatham stations - each with their own controlling superintendent.

But the reshuffle, called Operation Walrus II, would see the borough split into two, and run from Stockwell and Brixton police stations, with the latter controlling Streatham policing.

The idea of leaving a less ranking officer in charge of Streatham has reinforced beliefs that Streatham police station is being downgraded with a view to close it.

Streatham parliamentary candidate Chris Nicholson, who has been fighting any potential closure, said: “My concern is that we are in danger of losing a local policing service.

“It seems to me that this is just another move by the police to run the station down.

“Our concern is that in a few months or a year there will be so few services run out of Streatham the police will say it is not a big step to close the station completely.”

A Lambeth Police spokeswoman said: “Streatham Police station is under the command of Acting Superintendent Robert Harper.

“Lambeth Police have no immediate plans to downsize or close Streatham station - the future will be catered for by the asset management plan.

“We are committed to providing a citizen focused police service to all communities in Lambeth.

“Project Walrus II will seek to improve the accommodation for officers at Streatham and enhance front line policing across the borough.

“The local community and key stakeholders will be involved in consultation and their views taken into account.”

A further announcement regarding operation Walrus II is expected from the police on September 22.

• Get the latest crime statistics for your area at yourlocalguardian.co.uk/li