London’s historic Royal Parks police unit is to be disbanded after more than 150 years as the Metropolitan Police attempts to address a £260m funding gap.
The specialist team, which has policed the capital’s green spaces since 1872, will cease operations on November 1.
Around 80 officers currently responsible for responding to serious crimes, protecting wildlife and policing events such as the Changing of the Guard will be moved to local teams.
The decision comes as part of wider Met cuts that will see 1,700 officers and staff lost.
Police patrol Richmond Park, in Richmond upon Thames, southwest London
PA
The Royal Parks charity, which manages 5,000 acres of green spaces including Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and Richmond Park, expressed disappointment with the decision.
“We are disappointed with the Metropolitan Police Service decision to close its dedicated Royal Parks police unit,” a spokesperson said.
“The Royal Parks MPS unit and its predecessors have been a massive part of the rich history of the parks in London for over 150 years.”
The charity said it is awaiting full details of how the decision will impact policing of the parks.
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The Royal Parks charity, which manages 5,000 acres of green spaces including Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and Richmond Park, expressed disappointment with the decision
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Criminal incidents in the Royal Parks rose by around a third from 76 in 2022/23 to 101 in 2023/24, according to the charity’s latest annual report.
Liberal Democrat Leader of Richmond Council, Gareth Roberts, believes a rise in crime is “almost inevitable” across an area as large as Heathrow and Gatwick airports combined.
“We will have that type of space within the capital being largely unpoliced,” he told Sky News.
Roberts said cyclists have been forced off high-end bikes with threats of violence, while other crimes include sexual offences and drug dealing.
More unusual incidents include gangs chasing deer with dogs at night to collect shed antlers for online sale, according to Roberts.
Commander Owain Richards confirmed in a letter last week that the unit will be fully disbanded by November 1.
Criminal incidents in the Royal Parks rose by around a third from 76 in 2022/23 to 101 in 2023/24,
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Local neighbourhood policing teams will instead take over responsibility, as is already the case in other London parks.
A Met spokesperson said: “Park users and partners can be reassured the Met will continue to respond to emergency calls, patrol hotspot areas, investigate crimes, and support events in Royal Parks across London.”
However, Roberts expressed concern that overstretched local teams lack resources to police the parks effectively.
“I have had people saying they will now feel less safe in the parks because they can be quite isolated places some of the time,” he added.
Labour MP Rachel Blake called the decision “a serious mistake” with crime rising.
The Royal Parks charity sought to reassure visitors: “We want to reassure the public that we are working closely with the police over the next six months to ensure a plan is put in place to maintain public safety once the unit is fully disbanded.”
