In October 2024, there were 64 cases of anti-social behaviour crimes in Kingston and a further 70 cases of violence and sexual offences.
Local Police have made addressing violence against women and girls in Kingston Town Centre a top priority, it said in a statement issued this month.
They said they are committed to ensuring the safety of everyone visiting the area, acknowledging that certain crimes disproportionately affect women and girls.
Meanwhile, the Vision Foundation charity shop in Surbiton, is taking another approach to helping ensure women’s safety. It is currently selling personal alarms donated by a resident.
“They were donated and I wasn’t sure if someone would be interested, and actually the customers are,“ said Anamoria Sicaru, senior manager of Vision Foundation.
Martha Heron, a resident who helps run a Tom Trunks pop-up shop in Soho, London, said: “I moved into a new house near Fairfield, and I’ve felt really uneasy at night. Three times now, we’ve had people knocking on our door at three or four a.m., asking to come in.“
She added that Kingston is relatively safe overall and, compared to other parts of London she has lived in, feels secure.
Her friend, Emma Quennell, said: “I was followed home in the middle of the day. A man waited outside my house for a while and didn’t leave—this was scary.“
After a friend was pinned down in Fairfield Park, a local community park near Kingston University, both women attended self-defence classes.
They also advocate for better lighting, more university night buses and free self-defence courses in Kingston.
Kingston Council has also demonstrated its commitment to addressing violence against women and girls.
The borough is White Ribbon accredited and has committed to a global campaign to end male violence against women and girls by promoting awareness, education and practical action.
As part of White Ribbon Day, the council reaffirmed its dedication to fostering safer environments for women and girls. Read more about their ongoing commitment here.
If you are experiencing harassment in Kingston, you can contact the police at 999, 101 or report via the Met Police website. You can also report a crime anonymously through the Crimestoppers website or on 0800 555 111.
