Merton residents are facing a major blow to community policing as the Metropolitan Police confirms plans to close the public-facing front counters at both Wimbledon and Mitcham police stations.
The decision will soon leave residents without an easy local way to report crime, submit documentation, or seek support from the police in person.
The closures are part of a London-wide restructure, reducing the number of front counters from 37 to just 19, with only eight remaining open 24 hours a day. The Met says the move is necessary to address a projected £260 million shortfall in officer funding next year and £1.7 billion in unmet investment needs across its estate.
However, the decision has sparked strong local opposition, especially in Merton, where front counters have long served as vital tools for reporting crime and receiving advice.
Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler called the decision “shocking and dangerous”, adding: “At a time when public concern about crime is growing, stripping away vital points of contact between communities and their police is utterly indefensible.”
Mr Kohler acknowledged that Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley is under pressure from government cuts, but criticised the lack of creative alternatives. He suggested that volunteer-manned front counters could have been explored to retain local access.
Mr Kohler took Sadiq Khan to court in 2018 to prevent the closure of Wimbledon Police Station, and says he is now “deeply concerned” about its long-term viability. Both Wimbledon and Mitcham police stations have been at risk of closure for years, with political parties across Merton having launched separate campaigns to protect their future.
At an Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on July 2, a Met representative from the Merton, Richmond and Kingston Basic Command Unit (BCU) told councillors: “At this time, both stations are operational, with a continued presence of Public Access Officers (Station Officers). I have no information to suggest this will change.”
Merton Council Leader Councillor Ross Garrod also expressed concern following the Met’s announcement: “We are concerned to hear the news that the Metropolitan Police plans to close the front-desk services at both Wimbledon and Mitcham Police Stations.
“As Leader of Merton Council, I will be seeking a meeting with the Met Police as soon as possible to raise the concerns we have about these proposals.”
Local police officers were reportedly given no prior warning or opportunity to provide input before the decision was made public.
A Met spokesperson defended the move, stating that only five per cent of crimes were reported at front counters last year and that most residents now use phones, online services, or interact with officers elsewhere.
“Given the Met’s budget shortfall and shrinking size, it is no longer sustainable to keep all front counters open,” they said. “That’s why we have taken the tough choice to pursue some closures and a reduction in hours.”
Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Gareth Richards criticised the decision and blamed City Hall for failing to secure adequate funding. He said the closures, which will also affect Twickenham in his South West London constituency, send the “wrong message”.
Wimbledon and Mitcham front counters are expected to close later this year. Each BCU will retain one front counter, selected based on accessibility and transport links. For Merton residents, the nearest 24/7 access points will be in Acton, Sutton, or Lambeth.
Engagement with staff, trade unions and community stakeholders is ongoing. In the meantime, all front counters remain open until formal changes are introduced.
Despite the loss of in-person access, the Met has proposed digital alternatives such as video appointments and the launch of a new platform, Met Engage, offering crime updates and online contact with local officers. However, campaigners argue that digital-only contact cannot replace the reassurance and accountability of face-to-face engagement, particularly for vulnerable residents.
The closures contrast with Merton Council’s recent efforts to strengthen community safety. Earlier this month, the borough launched its new Safer Streets Team , which now patrols every neighbourhood weekly to tackle antisocial behaviour and improve visibility. Merton has also invested in upgrading and expanding its 24-hour CCTV network across the borough.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “Nothing is more important to the Mayor than keeping Londoners safe and he is determined to do all he can to support Sir Mark Rowley deliver a New Met for London where communities are put first.
“Any change to the number of police front counters or their opening times is an operational decision for the Met, based on resources, funding and public demand for services.
“After over a decade of cuts worth over a billion under the previous government, the Met is facing an extremely difficult financial situation. The Mayor is working closely with the Met to boost visible neighbourhood policing in our communities and is having ongoing discussions with Ministers and the Commissioner about the funding the Met needs to ensure we can continue building a safer London for everyone.”
