We remain fully committed to tackling violent crime across the borough, following the senseless murder in Woolwich on Monday evening. 

In immediate response to the tragic incident, a police dispersal order - which enables officers to direct a person who has committed, or is likely to commit, anti-social behaviour to leave a specified area and not return for a period of up to 48 hours - was put in place in Woolwich. The wards covered by the order, which ended on Thursday at 1pm, included Glyndon, Woolwich Riverside/Common, Plumstead, Shooters Hill, Middle Park & Sutcliffe and Eltham. 

While knife crime is a London-wide issue, worryingly we have been seeing increased violence in Woolwich and other areas in the borough over the last few months.  

To tackle serious youth violence, drug crime and disorder, the Council and police ran a joint operation between 28 June and 2 July. Officers from both teams worked together using a range of uniform and plain clothes tactics to identify offences and bring offenders to justice. This included use of the Council’s newly upgraded CCTV system. 

Sixteen arrests were made with the majority of those detained being known for criminality or otherwise linked to recent incidents of violence around the borough. Arrests included for affray, other violence and public disorder, possession of offence weapons, and the supply and possession of drugs. 

Additional patrols and operations will continue throughout the year in Woolwich Town Centre and other places in response to the recent increase in violence. 

Funding is also being sought to improve safety and security across the borough, including investment in educational and engagement programmes on serious youth violence and women’s public safety. 

A new Town-Watch scheme is being developed and is planned for roll-out across Royal Greenwich’s main town centres over the next six months. The initiative will support local retailers on crime prevention, information sharing and community resilience. 

Cllr Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Enforcement, said “We continue in our fight against serious criminality and protecting our communities, particularly younger people who are disproportionately victims of crime or otherwise exploited. We remain committed to improving the safety and security of our town centres for those who live, work in, or visit them”.  

The Metropolitan Police and Royal Borough of Greenwich are continuing to appeal for information and video footage following the fatal stabbing in Woolwich on Monday, 5 July. 

Any witnesses or anyone with information should call 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 5748/05Jul. 

To provide footage to the investigation team please visit https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS21S61-PO1   

To remain 100% anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers_uk.org.