Key Points
- Barnet Labour hails a significant drop in crime, particularly a 35 per cent decrease in mugging, as vindication of its policies since taking power in 2022.
- The ruling administration credits measures like revamping the borough’s CCTV system, introducing a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), and collaborating with the Metropolitan Police on initiatives such as Clear Hold Build, which led to over 300 arrests.
- Falling crime rates in Barnet mirror trends across Greater London, where homicides are at their lowest level since reporting began.
- Reductions noted in other forms of violent crime alongside the mugging decline.
- Barnet Council’s cabinet member for community safety, community cohesion, and ending violence against women and girls, Sara Conway, praised the fixes to the CCTV system previously neglected by Conservatives and emphasised ongoing efforts.
- Opposition Conservatives accuse Labour of “pure spin” and “dressing up crime statistics” to distract from rising issues like road and high street crime, hate crime, violence, sexual offences, possession of weapons, and drug-related crime.
- Conservatives highlight perceived inconsistencies, including a Labour MP proposing removal of jury trials, the Mayor of London cutting the Met Police’s antisocial behaviour unit, and past fraudulent conduct by former Labour councillors in Barnet.
- Reports by David Floyd detail the political clash between Barnet Labour and Conservatives over crime statistics interpretation.
Barnet, Barnet Post, January 15, 2026 – Barnet Labour has welcomed a notable drop in crime across the borough, attributing the decline to its proactive policies implemented since gaining control of Barnet Council in 2022, while opposition Conservatives dismissed the claims as “pure spin” amid accusations of selective statistics, as reported by David Floyd of the Barnet Post.
What Crime Reductions Has Barnet Labour Achieved?
Barnet Labour’s ruling administration points to the latest annual figures showing a 35 per cent decrease in mugging, alongside reductions in other violent crimes. These improvements align with broader trends across Greater London, where homicides have reached their lowest level since reporting commenced. As reported by David Floyd of the Barnet Post, the council’s actions since 2022 have demonstrably contributed to safer streets.
The council’s cabinet member for community safety, community cohesion, and ending violence against women and girls, Sara Conway, stated:
“Barnet Labour have brought drive and determination to our local safety partnership fixing a CCTV system that the Conservatives failed to keep working most of the time, introducing the PSPO and supporting the Metropolitan Police on a range of crime reduction operations across the borough including initiatives such as Clear Hold Build that saw more than 300 arrests.”
Sara Conway further remarked:
“There is always more to do to bring down crime further, which is why we cannot go back to the days of the previous Conservative administration who didn’t understand or deliver on community safety.”
These measures, including the revamped CCTV system and the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), have been pivotal. The Clear Hold Build initiative alone resulted in more than 300 arrests, underscoring collaborative efforts with the Metropolitan Police. Barnet Labour frames this as evidence that their governance has restored effective community safety partnerships previously lacking under Conservative rule.
How Does Barnet’s Crime Drop Compare to Greater London Trends?
The decline in Barnet mirrors positive developments across Greater London, with homicides now at historic lows. Barnet Council’s ruling group emphasises that falling crime rates both locally and regionally validate their post-2022 strategies. David Floyd’s reporting in the Barnet Post highlights how Barnet’s 35 per cent mugging reduction fits into this wider context of diminishing violent crime.
Sara Conway of Barnet Council reiterated the administration’s commitment, noting the fixed CCTV infrastructure that had been unreliable under prior management. The PSPO and police partnerships have fortified public spaces, contributing to the overall downturn. Labour positions these outcomes as a direct result of their “drive and determination,” contrasting sharply with what they describe as Conservative neglect.
Why Do Conservatives Accuse Labour of Political Spin?
Barnet Conservatives vehemently rejected Labour’s narrative, telling the Barnet Post that the ruling group is attempting to “dress up crime statistics” to “distract residents from the reality that they face.” A Conservative spokesperson declared:
“Barnet residents know that crime on our roads and high streets is rising. Rather than addressing these concerns honestly, Barnet Labour continues to rely on selective messaging that fails to reflect what communities are seeing day to day.”
The opposition highlighted several escalating categories: higher levels of hate crime, rising violence and sexual offences, growth in possession of weapons offences, and a sharp increase in drug-related crime. The spokesperson added:
“Barnet residents deserve transparency and seriousness when it comes to public safety, not political spin.”
They further criticised Labour’s credentials on law and order, pointing to specific issues.
What Specific Crime Increases Do Conservatives Cite?
Conservatives focused on resident-facing concerns, asserting that key categories have worsened despite Labour’s claims. They listed higher hate crime, increased violence and sexual offences, more possession of weapons incidents, and surging drug-related offences. As per David Floyd’s Barnet Post article, these rises contradict the selective positives touted by the administration.
The opposition argued that daily experiences on roads and high streets reveal a different picture from official figures. Barnet residents, they claim, perceive ongoing risks that Labour’s messaging ignores. This disconnect fuels accusations of manipulation in statistical presentation.
What Broader Labour Policies Do Conservatives Criticise?
The Conservative spokesperson extended scrutiny beyond Barnet, stating:
“It is particularly troubling that while Labour seeks to present itself as the party of law and order, one of Barnet’s Labour MPs is proposing measures that would remove the right to a jury trial, the Mayor of London has cut the Met Police’s dedicated antisocial behaviour unit, and former Labour councillors in Barnet have been exposed for fraudulent or criminal conduct.”
These points underscore perceived hypocrisy. The proposed jury trial changes by a local Labour MP, the Mayor’s reduction of the antisocial behaviour unit, and past misconduct by former councillors paint a challenging portrait of Labour’s safety record. Conservatives demand greater accountability over what they term “political spin.”
Who Is Sara Conway and What Is Her Role?
Sara Conway serves as Barnet Council’s cabinet member for community safety, community cohesion, and ending violence against women and girls. Her statements, as covered by David Floyd in the Barnet Post, anchor Labour’s defence of their record. Conway directly credited the CCTV revamp, PSPO, and police collaborations for tangible results like the 300 arrests under Clear Hold Build.
She positioned Labour’s approach as resolute, warning against reverting to Conservative-era failings. Conway’s portfolio places her at the forefront of borough safety initiatives, making her comments central to the debate.
What Is the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)?
The PSPO forms a cornerstone of Labour’s strategy, aimed at curbing antisocial behaviour in public areas. Introduced post-2022, it complements CCTV upgrades and police operations. Sara Conway highlighted its role in fostering safer environments, per Barnet Post reporting.
This order empowers authorities to address persistent issues, contributing to the violent crime downturn. Conservatives have not directly contested the PSPO but frame overall gains as overstated.
How Has CCTV Been Revamped Under Labour?
Labour fixed a CCTV system that Conservatives allegedly let deteriorate, rendering it operational only sporadically. Sara Conway noted this restoration as foundational to their safety drive. The upgrade has enhanced monitoring, aiding crime prevention and response.
David Floyd’s coverage emphasises how this infrastructure investment underpins the 35 per cent mugging drop and related reductions. It symbolises Labour’s practical focus versus prior inaction.
What Is the Clear Hold Build Initiative?
Clear Hold Build emerged from Labour-Met Police partnerships, yielding over 300 arrests. This operation targets crime hotspots through clearance, stabilisation, and rebuilding phases. Conway praised it as emblematic of effective collaboration.
The initiative exemplifies Barnet’s integrated approach, linking local policy with enforcement. Its success bolsters Labour’s narrative of proactive governance.
Why Is This Debate Politically Charged?
The exchange reflects entrenched divisions since Labour’s 2022 victory. Labour celebrates data-driven wins; Conservatives counter with anecdotal rises and national critiques. David Floyd’s balanced Barnet Post report captures both sides without favour.
Residents face competing visions: Labour’s progress claims versus Conservative warnings of hidden perils. Transparency demands, as Conservatives urge, remain pivotal.
What Do Crime Figures Reveal About Barnet’s Safety?
Annual statistics show mugging down 35 per cent, with violent crime following suit. London-wide homicide lows provide context. Yet Conservatives spotlight counter-trends in hate, drugs, and weapons offences.
Interpreting these requires nuance—Labour focuses on declines, opposition on increments. Full data transparency could bridge the gap.
How Can Barnet Residents Verify Crime Trends?
Residents should consult official Metropolitan Police and council releases alongside independent analyses. Barnet Post’s coverage by David Floyd offers accessible synthesis. Engaging local forums aids grassroots insights.
Avoiding spin means cross-referencing sources. Both parties’ statements warrant scrutiny against raw figures.
What Lies Ahead for Barnet’s Community Safety?
Labour vows continued reductions, eyeing further innovations. Conservatives push for honest reckoning with rises. Ongoing partnerships with police will shape outcomes.
As of January 2026, the borough navigates this tension. Sustained dialogue could yield consensus on priorities, benefiting all Barnet communities.
