MOPAC Annual Report 2013/14

The last financial year culminated in March 2013 with the publication of the Mayor’s first Police and Crime Plan for London, which spelt out our strategy and priorities for the next four years. The latest annual report (covering the period up to 31 March 2014), explains the progress we have made to date.

Speaking about the annual report, the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Stephen Greenhalgh, said:

A buoyant London property market has led to capital receipts far exceeding expectations, which has delivered extra monies to reinvest in frontline policing, despite the difficult budget position. Closing police stations that officers did not need and the public did not visit was controversial, but by putting bobbies before buildings, we now have a once in a generation opportunity to equip our police with the modern mobile technology needed for 21st century policing. London is bucking the national trend with crime rates falling here faster than the rest of the country. As MOPAC enters its third year, we have laid the foundations to deliver our target to cut crime and boost confidence, whilst cutting costs. This is good news for the police, and it is good news for the public.

In summary, the annual report confirms:

• We are ahead of target on crime reduction, on target for cost reduction and we have performance improving, but with more work to do, on boosting confidence. There are now 120 fewer victims of crime every single day.
• Our changes to the police estate were controversial, but record receipts from building sales are helping to fund new investment in frontline policing, with a wider social benefit too – as many old police stations are now becoming schools and homes, directly contributing to growth and educational opportunity across our city.
• MOPAC has continued to drive forward the ‘And Crime’ agenda, allowing performance management across London’s criminal justice system for the first time. MOPAC are also spearheading collaborative working, especially prevention efforts around gangs and mental health.
• Projects funded by MOPAC through the London Crime Prevention Fund are beginning to make a difference on the ground, and new figures suggest Londoners are feeling safer. Compared to a year ago, those who say they are concerned about crime has fallen 5 points, to 45%.
• The profile of MOPAC’s work is on the rise with a range of external initiatives – from public conferences to stakeholder briefings, from town hall meetings to social media (@MOPACLdn). Events like the Policing Global Cities conference, hosted by the Mayor, have put MOPAC on the map and demonstrated the leadership role we have.