Addressing anti-social behaviour

The City of London Police keeps the Square Mile safe and ensures it is a pleasant place to live, work and visit.

That includes tackling anti-social behaviour, and the force is the single point of contact for anyone wanting to report such incidents.

People can be reluctant to report anti-social behaviour, fearing it too trivial to bother police with, but the force takes every call seriously, working with partners until the problem is resolved.

A recent example has been street urination. The City’s pubs and bars have become busier than ever in the evening, and this has brought with it a growing issue around people urinating in the street. It is an unpleasant problem and costs the City of London Cleansing Services valuable time and money in the constant washing down of areas.
 
City workers and residents raised concerns about the issue, and highlighted it at Community Partnership meetings. At first, the force lacked the necessary enforcement powers to deal with offenders, but not any more.

Wards Policing and the Safer City Partnership worked together and the result is an additional power to summons people for this offence. Offenders now have to appear before a magistrate and could face a substantial fine.
 
This is already making a difference. Five people have so far been summonsed to court for urinating in the street, and the first case heard at the City of London Magistrates Court resulted in a fine of £295.
 
It sends a clear message to the community: if you report anti-social behaviour, the police will find a way to address the problem.

You can report anti-social behaviour by calling 020 7601 2222. If you are vulnerable, upset or if your call concerns a community priority, we will aim to be with you within 60 minutes in line with our Policing Pledge.

If you require an emergency police response please call 999 and we will aim to be with you within 12 minutes.