Sutton: The third safest borough in London

Sutton has coined a reputation as being one of the safest borough's in London, according to new findings.

A recently published Ipsos MORI survey showed that the vast majority (97 per cent) of residents believe that Sutton is a safe place.

The figures show that 71 per cent feel safe outside after dark - an increase from 62 per cent in 2011 and 60 per cent in 2009.

Issues that continue to worry residents in the borough include speeding traffic, inconsiderate parking, youth gangs and dog fouling.

Other concerns cited by residents include litter. However, for more serious crimes, the fear substantially reduced.

According to the figures, the percentage of residents worried about being a victim of burglary has fallen to 48 per cent from 54 per cent in 2009 and fears over anti-social behaviour fell to 41 per cent from 58 per cent in 2009.

A public meeting will be held by Sutton Council later on in the month to gather views from residents about what improvements can be made to make their borough safer.

Commenting on the findings, Ruth Dombey, leader of Sutton Council said that improving safety in the borough was one of the biggest priorities of the council.

She added: "That's why we work so closely with the local police to reduce crime by pooling the resources of the council and the police into the Safer Sutton Partnership Service. I'm delighted that crime is going down and people are saying they feel safer.

"However, we know that there is more that we need to do to improve perceptions of crime and policing, and I hope residents will join us at the public meeting on 20 march 2014 to find out more about the actions that we are taking."

According to the data, total crime has fallen by 32.7 per cent with 11,000 fewer offences since 2004-05 making Sutton the third safest borough in London.

Published 4th March, 2014

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