Although Belsize is generally very safe, there have recently been a few worrying incidents of verbal abuse, including antisemitic remarks and threatening behaviour towards several female members of BelSoc around the shops on Haverstock Hill, particularly the benches opposite the tube.
These have been reported to the police and at least one Antisocial Behaviour Order (ASBO) has been served.
If you are subjected to any threats or other types of anti-social behaviour, or hate crime, please do report it as the response depends on the number and type of reports.
Our local councillors are also aware and have been lobbying Camden and the police. With an increasing drug and alcohol nuisance, extra community safety officers have been deployed, some of whom are plain-clothed. The police work with Camden to coordinate actions.
You should report anything that makes you feel unsafe such as abusive, threatening or other antisocial behaviour, drug use and dealing, vandalism and property damage, gangs or antisocial groups, graffiti, fly-tipping and so on. Hate crime has particular sensitivity and swift actions.
Camden has an online reporting system: www.camden.gov.uk/reporting-antisocialbehaviour
Or you can phone the council, 9-5pm weekdays 020 7974 4444
Once reported, an Antisocial Behaviour Officer or Community Safety Officer will carry out an investigation and determine any action required. They should communicate with the reporter within 7 days.
Of course, any escalation which risks spilling over into violence or other crimes, may require a 999 call to the police.
The police also have several specific reporting forms at: www.met.police.uk/ro/report
If you prefer, you can ring 101 to report nonemergency issues.
The find out the latest news from the local area police team check : www.met.police.uk/area/your-area/met/ camden/belsize
You can also sign up to ‘MetEngage’ for regular reports on local crime and policing issues. www.metengage.co.uk
