Is Kentish Town North safe?

Current local priorities

• Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Violence Against Women and Girls has been identified as a key priority within the ward, with concerns raised about locations where women and girls feel unsafe. Reports of harassment, abuse, and violence continue to affect confidence and safety, particularly in public spaces and during peak times. Analysis of reports and intelligence highlights specific locations and time periods where risks are higher, including areas linked to the night-time economy and open spaces. Feedback from women and girls within the community has been instrumental in identifying these concerns, shaping understanding of vulnerability, and highlighting the need for visible policing and early intervention to prevent escalation. Officers will conduct targeted high-visibility patrols in identified locations, particularly at times when concerns are greatest. All reports of harassment, abuse, or violence will be responded to robustly, with full investigations carried out and victims supported throughout. The team will work closely with partner agencies and licensed premises to safeguard those at risk, while identifying, disrupting, and arresting offenders where appropriate. Patrol strategies and activity will be informed by ongoing engagement with women and girls to ensure policing reflects their lived experiences. Success will be measured through increased reporting confidence, a reduction in VAWG-related incidents in identified hotspots, and positive feedback from the community. Ongoing assessment will consider the effectiveness of patrols, partnership activity, and enforcement in improving safety and delivering sustained reassurance to women and girls across the ward.
• Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) Antisocial behaviour (ASB) has been identified as a recurring concern within the ward, with particular locations and individuals linked to repeat incidents. Reports indicate ongoing issues affecting community safety and quality of life, with some cases involving vulnerable individuals or escalating into criminal behaviour. A review of ASB incidents shows patterns of repeat calls linked to specific hotspots and individuals. These patterns suggest that a small number of offenders and locations are responsible for a disproportionate level of harm. Some incidents involve vulnerability, indicating a need for safeguarding considerations alongside enforcement. Without intervention, there is a risk of continued harm and escalation into more serious offences. Officers will Conduct high-visibility patrols in identified hotspot areas to deter ASB and reassure the public. Review reported incidents to identify repeat locations and offenders. Take appropriate enforcement action where behaviour crosses into criminality or involves risk to vulnerable persons. Use a combination of enforcement and partnership working with relevant agencies to address underlying causes and prevent reoccurrence. Apply available ASB tools and powers, including: ASB warnings Notices Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) to manage and deter persistent offenders. Success will be measured by: A reduction in repeat ASB incidents at identified locations. Decreased demand linked to known individuals. Increased community confidence and reassurance. Evidence of effective use of enforcement powers and partnership interventions leading to sustained behavioural change.
• Enforcing cycling offences Cycling offences have been identified as a concern within the ward, particularly behaviours that pose a risk to pedestrians and other road users. Issues include cycling on pavements, failing to stop at red lights, and riding in a careless or antisocial manner, contributing to community safety concerns and complaints. A review of incidents and community feedback indicates that these offences often occur in areas with high pedestrian footfall, increasing the risk of collisions and injury. Patterns suggest a mix of deliberate non-compliance and a lack of awareness of road traffic laws, with some locations experiencing repeat issues linked to particular individuals or peak times. Officers will carry out targeted patrols in identified problem areas, engaging with cyclists to provide education and advice on safe and lawful cycling. Where appropriate, enforcement action will be taken, including issuing warnings, fixed penalty notices, or reporting offenders. A combined approach of engagement, education, and enforcement will be used to improve behaviour and promote safer use of the road network, with partnership working supporting wider road safety initiatives. Success will be measured through a reduction in reported cycling offences and related complaints, improved compliance with road traffic laws, and increased public confidence in safety across the ward. Consideration will also be given to whether engagement and enforcement activity has led to sustained behavioural change over time.