The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Merton Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 24 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a discussion on crime and policing in Merton with the Borough Commander, as well as a review of the committee's work programme and the work programmes of various scrutiny panels.

Crime and Policing in Merton

A significant item on the agenda is a report and in-depth discussion concerning crime and policing in Merton, with the Borough Commander¹ scheduled to attend. The report pack indicates that this session aims to hold the Borough Commander to account on matters of crime and disorder. The discussion is expected to cover local crime trends, policing resources, community engagement efforts, and recent policing activities. Specific areas that may be addressed include the impact of police station front counter closures in Wimbledon and Mitcham, the ongoing issue of car meets in New Malden, and the investigation into the Galpins Road incident. The report also notes the growth in Met Engage registrations and a request for comparative abstraction figures between January-February 2025 and January-February 2026.

The report pack also includes detailed questions for the Borough Commander regarding various policing matters. These include the impact of police station front counter closures on public access and alternative contact points, and the potential for a police base at the Civic Centre. There will also be a discussion on how police are working across boroughs to tackle teen gangs involved in phone and bike thefts, referencing operations like Operation Hotwatch. Efforts to prevent vehicle thefts, including participation in Operation Allianz and Operation Gorealm, are also scheduled for review. The committee is expected to consider actions to tackle speeding, including late-night speeding and e-scooter use, with a quote from the Borough Commander stating, I recognise the strength of community concern about speeding, dangerous riding and car meets. These issues affect safety and can seriously undermine how secure residents feel in their own neighbourhoods. ²

Furthermore, the agenda indicates a review of current trends in shoplifting and retail crime, and the effectiveness of targeting repeat offenders, with the report highlighting significant reductions in retail crime and shoplifting over the past 12 months. The policing approach to the Wimbledon Championships, including arrest data and any changes in crime or antisocial behaviour levels, will also be discussed. Miscellaneous topics include trends in stalking and efforts to tackle it, with a mention of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) operations. The report also addresses the dealing and use of opioids, such as fentanyl, and the partnership-led approach to tackling drug-related harm, referencing operations like Operation Haldor. Finally, updates on police abstractions and efforts to improve neighbourhood policing visibility are expected.

Work Programme

The committee will review its own work programme for the 2026/27 period. This will involve considering upcoming items and ensuring that report requests are focused. The work programme outlines planned meetings and the intended outcomes for each, including scrutiny of the budget and business plan, and reviews of specific areas such as Living with a disability in Merton and the Safer Merton - Hate Crime Strategy.

Work Programmes of the Scrutiny Panels

The committee will also examine the work programmes of the various Scrutiny Panels. This includes the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel, which has planned reviews on topics such as the LADO Annual Report, School Place Planning, and Social Safety in Schools. The Healthier Communities and Older People Panel's work programme includes scrutiny of CQC reports for St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, updates on maternity services, and discussions on Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTS). The Sustainable Communities Work Programme features reviews of Public Space Protection Orders, the Economic Growth Plan, and the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.