Mayor Khan and Commander Heydari Hit Westminster Streets to Fight Violence
On Friday 14 April, Commander Dr Alison Heydari teamed up with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to patrol Westminster. Their mission? To witness up close how police officers are working hand-in-hand with local communities to tackle violence and anti-social behaviour.
Operation Nightingale Targets Trouble Spots
The police are backing a fresh push on neighbourhood policing using sharp, evidence-based tactics like problem-oriented policing and hotspot patrols to cut street crime.
Running under the banner of Operation Nightingale, officers identify the issues communities care about most and work alongside residents to fix them. Supported by the Home Office and City Hall, the Met’s Violent Crime Task Force leads the operation centrally, but the real work happens on the ground.
Each “Nightingale hotspot” around London gets expert help, targeted funding, and extra police patrols.
Success in Church Street Ward
Khan and Heydari visited Church Street ward in Edgware Road to see results firsthand. Here, proactive policing combined with community input has led to multiple arrests and convictions, especially for drug offences. Vital intelligence gathered is helping officers better understand local crime and improve safety for everyone living, studying, and working in the area.
Since July 2022, the hyper-local approach has delivered more than 1,000 arrests across London. Police have seized 51 knives, 11 firearms, and 40 other offensive weapons.
Top Brass Pledge Stronger Neighbourhood Policing
Commander Dr Alison Heydari, Frontline Policing, said: “Strong neighbourhood policing is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to being visible and effective in communities to build more trust and cut crime across London.
“Our plan to create the Strongest Ever Neighbourhood Policing means using all resources to crack down on crime. We’ve already appointed new Superintendents for local policing in every borough. Operation Nightingale is just one way we are tackling anti-social behaviour and violent crime with expert partners.”
Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “Keeping Londoners safe is my top priority. We’ve seen serious drops in violence, murders, and robberies over the last year. But with the cost-of-living crisis, we can’t be complacent.
“Local communities are the eyes and ears of the police. Strong relationships between neighbourhood officers and residents are essential to fight gang crime and violence. Today’s patrols show how working together delivers long-term solutions. I’m committed to restoring trust and building a safer London for everyone.”
Councillor Aicha Less, Westminster Deputy Leader, said: “As a Church Street resident, I know how violence devastates communities. Trust in local police starts with getting the basics right. Operation Nightingale’s focus on patrols, community input, and evidence-based tactics is helping reduce violence and create a safer neighbourhood.”
