Key Points
- Islington Council is actively working to enhance safety across the borough by removing knives from streets, creating safe spaces, and tackling crime.
- Number of Safe Havens – welcoming spaces for those feeling threatened – has grown from 75 to 300 since 2021.
- A new Neighbourhood Patrol Team, operational since last May, conducts hundreds of patrols day and night, seven days a week, providing a visible presence.
- Over 4,700 fixed penalty notices issued for littering and fly-tipping; 50 individuals prosecuted for littering and one business for breaching a noise abatement notice.
- New online form for reporting anti-social behaviour launched, with 60% of reports now submitted via this platform.
- Knife surrender bins installed borough-wide, anonymously removing more than 10,000 weapons from Islington’s streets.
- Last year, a new bin for larger weapons like swords was added; percentage of young people affected by knife crime fell by two-thirds in the year leading to November 2025.
- Street Outreach Team supported 500 vulnerable people into accommodation or wellbeing services.
- Anti-social behaviour on Andover Estate reduced by over 50% in 2024 compared to 2023.
- Cllr Angelo Weekes, Executive Member for Community Safety, emphasised resident protection and ongoing partnerships with police.
- Community safety team delivers 400 events yearly on women’s safety, youth safety, and hate crime awareness.
- New Hate Crime Prevention Officer appointed to support affected communities.
- Council views safety as key to a more equal borough, with more work needed on anti-social behaviour.
Islington (North London News) January 27, 2026 – Islington Council is implementing robust measures to bolster safety, including expanding safe havens, deploying neighbourhood patrols, and removing over 10,000 knives from streets, as part of a broader commitment to a more secure and equitable borough.
These initiatives, detailed in an official council statement, underscore a multi-faceted approach to crime reduction and community support. From increasing safe spaces to prosecuting environmental offenders, the efforts aim to foster a sense of security for all residents.
What Steps Has the Council Taken to Remove Knives from Streets?
The council has prioritised knife removal through dedicated infrastructure. Knife surrender bins, offering an anonymous disposal method, have been placed across the borough, resulting in more than 10,000 weapons taken off Islington’s streets, according to the council’s announcement.
As detailed in the official release, last year the council installed a new bin capable of accepting larger weapons such as swords. This enhancement aligns with the goal that every knife removed could save a life. Notably, the percentage of young people affected by knife crime has fallen by two-thirds in the year leading to November 2025, demonstrating tangible impact.
These bins form part of the council’s overarching safety strategy, complementing partnerships with police to sustain downward trends in youth-related knife incidents.
How Have Safe Havens Expanded in Islington?
Safe Havens – designated welcoming spaces where individuals feeling threatened can seek support – have seen significant growth. The council reports expanding these from 75 to 300 since 2021, a fourfold increase that enhances immediate refuge options borough-wide.
This expansion reflects the council’s dedication to proactive safety nets, particularly for vulnerable residents. By scaling these spaces, Islington aims to provide rapid intervention, reducing exposure to potential harm.
The initiative ties into broader equality goals, ensuring accessible support reaches those most in need across diverse communities.
What Is the Role of the Neighbourhood Patrol Team?
A new Neighbourhood Patrol Team was established last May, patrolling day and night, seven days a week. Since inception, the team has conducted hundreds of patrols, offering a visible and reassuring presence to residents.
This constant vigilance deters crime and builds community confidence. The patrols address immediate concerns, from anti-social behaviour to emerging threats, operating without respite.
Council statements highlight the team’s integral role in day-to-day safety enforcement, working alongside existing police efforts.
How Is the Council Tackling Littering and Fly-Tipping?
Enforcement against environmental crimes has intensified, with more than 4,700 fixed penalty notices issued for littering and fly-tipping. Prosecutions include 50 people for littering offences and one business penalised for breaching a noise abatement notice.
These actions maintain cleanliness and order, indirectly supporting safer public spaces. By holding offenders accountable, the council discourages repeat violations that can exacerbate community tensions.
The measures contribute to a holistic safety framework, linking environmental stewardship with crime prevention.
What Changes Have Improved Anti-Social Behaviour Reporting?
A simple new online form for reporting anti-social behaviour has streamlined processes, with 60% of reports now submitted through it. This digital tool enhances accessibility and response efficiency.
Residents benefit from quicker logging and follow-up, empowering communities to flag issues promptly. The shift to online reporting reduces barriers, particularly for those less inclined to use traditional channels.
This innovation exemplifies the council’s adaptation to modern communication preferences, boosting engagement.
What Impact Has the Street Outreach Team Made?
The Street Outreach Team has supported 500 vulnerable people into accommodation or wellbeing services. This targeted assistance addresses root causes of vulnerability, preventing escalation into crime or disorder.
By connecting individuals to housing and support, the team mitigates risks associated with homelessness and isolation. Outcomes include stabilised lives and reduced street-level incidents.
The effort underscores the council’s person-centred approach to safety.
How Has Anti-Social Behaviour Declined on Andover Estate?
Anti-social behaviour on the Andover Estate fell by over 50% in 2024 compared to 2023, per council data. Specific interventions tailored to the estate yielded this marked improvement.
Residents report a calmer environment, attributing gains to focused council action. The reduction serves as a model for other areas, proving localised strategies’ efficacy.
Ongoing monitoring ensures sustained progress.
What Did Cllr Angelo Weekes Say About Safety Efforts?
Cllr Angelo Weekes, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety, stated:
“In Islington, safety is about making sure every resident feels protected, supported, and part of a thriving community.”
He added:
“We know there is more work to do, and we will continue working closely with our partners and the police to build a borough where safety is shared, support is visible, and every resident can feel at home.”
Cllr Weekes further remarked:
“Making our borough a safer place is integral to creating the more equal future we all want to see, and we’re making it happen for Islington.”
These comments, from the official council press release, encapsulate the leadership’s vision.
Why Does the Council Acknowledge More Work Is Needed?
Despite successes, the council recognises persistent anti-social behaviour challenges. It states plainly that more needs to be done, committing to intensified efforts.
This candid assessment maintains transparency, setting expectations for continuous improvement. It positions current achievements as foundational, not final.
What Community Engagement Initiatives Are Underway?
The community safety team delivers 400 community events and engagement sessions annually, focusing on women’s safety, youth safety, and hate crime awareness and prevention. These sessions educate and empower residents.
Interactive formats foster dialogue, equipping participants with practical knowledge. Coverage spans the borough, targeting high-need demographics.
Who Is the New Hate Crime Prevention Officer?
A Hate Crime Prevention Officer has been introduced to support and empower communities impacted by hate crime. This dedicated role provides specialised assistance, from reporting guidance to recovery support.
The officer strengthens resilience against prejudice-driven incidents. Integration with broader safety teams amplifies reach.
How Does Safety Align with Equality Goals?
The council frames safety as central to creating a more equal borough. An Islington where everyone feels safe and at home benefits all, driving tireless work.
Initiatives interweave protection with equity, addressing disparities in vulnerability. Partnerships amplify impact, ensuring inclusive progress.
What Broader Context Frames These Efforts?
Islington Council’s actions occur amid rising national concerns over knife crime and anti-social behaviour. Local metrics, like the two-thirds drop in youth knife crime impact, outperform trends elsewhere.
Visible patrols and safe spaces counter urban challenges, prioritising prevention. Prosecutions and outreach reflect balanced enforcement and compassion.
The strategy’s scale – from 10,000 weapons removed to 400 events yearly – positions Islington as proactive. Cllr Weekes’ emphasis on partnerships signals collaborative momentum.
Despite gains on estates like Andover, the council’s realism about ongoing needs sustains urgency. Knife bins’ evolution to handle swords innovates amid evolving threats.
Reporting tools’ 60% uptake shows resident buy-in, vital for sustainability. Vulnerable support for 500 individuals humanises statistics, highlighting lives transformed.
These measures collectively forge a safer Islington, where safety underpins equality. As of January 2026, momentum builds, with council pledges ensuring no complacency.
