Overview

• The Royal Parks policing unit, established in 1872, will be disbanded to address a £260 million Metropolitan Police funding shortfall.
• The unit's 80 officers will be transferred to local neighborhood teams, which will take over responsibility for patrolling the parks.
• Reported crimes in the Royal Parks increased by about one-third, rising from 76 incidents in 2022/23 to 101 in 2023/24, according to the Royal Parks charity.
• Cyclists in Regent’s Park have reported violent robberies, including threats with hammers and sharp objects, fueling concerns about safety in the parks.
• The Royal Parks charity and local leaders, including Richmond Council’s Gareth Roberts, have criticized the decision, warning of inadequate policing and increased crime risks.