Residents in the London Borough of Camden have been left feeling “scared” and no longer use their phones in public as the “police are doing nothing”. Camden has the second highest crime rate in the UK’s capital, with nearly one crime for every five residents, according to ONS figures. Locals claim youngsters are “getting stabbed everywhere” as people in the North London borough are becoming desensitised to the soaring crime.
Thieves are reportedly snatching phones from vulnerable locals in the streets, as many say they avoid using their devices altogether while out. Speaking to The Sun, locals say the authorities are “doing nothing as per usual”, as witnessing a crime is now a daily occurrence for some residents. Cafe worker Michel said: “Running a business and not getting help from the police is a worry, they never help.”
He said the problem stems from “the youngsters” who fight and argue. “The police should do stop and search,” he added.
“It is a concern because nowadays they’re getting stabbed everywhere. We don’t see them [police] very often, not like the olden days. It’s a good place to work but it’s a bit scary. Police are doing nothing as per usual. Now that it’s getting dark it is a bit scary.”
Local Camden resident Anna Sabben, 32, told The Sun that the increase in crime has left her terrified of leaving her home.
“I don’t really dare to be on my phone when I’m out,” she said.
“You even get the odd person going around shouting and spitting on people, they’re probably intoxicated.”
Similarly, Shipu Qureshi, who works in the borough, said he keeps a phone with a cracked screen on him to avoid having it stolen.
Mr Qureshi said the mobile was stolen before, yet the thieves discarded it due the damage and threw it on the ground.
Superintendent Matt Cox, leader of neighbourhood policing in Camden, said he has worked with partners, such as the council, to reduce crime.
He said: “We are arresting and charging more offenders as part of our initiative to tackle crime in the borough.
“We have recognised Camden Town Centre as one of our highest priorities in the borough and have an increased police presence within this area in order to identify issues, tackle crime, including anti-social behaviour.”
A Camden Council spokesman said: “We work closely with the Police to keep Camden residents safe and respond to issues in their communities.
“We’re stepping up our response to anti-social behaviour, including putting on more patrols in hotspot areas.
“Every reported incident is investigated by our Community Safety team, so we urge residents to report non-emergency anti-social behaviour via our online reporting tool, or by calling 0207 974 4444.”