With less than two weeks until Croydon's local elections on May 7, crime and public safety have emerged as dominant concerns among voters in the town centre. Residents repeatedly told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that visible crime is shaping how they plan to cast their ballots.
Charisse Marsh, a young mother who moved to Croydon from Lewisham four months ago, said: "Crime is everywhere, but I notice it a lot in Croydon. It's not a great first impression." Speaking on North End, metres from plain-clothes police conducting a live facial recognition operation, she described how safety worries are influencing decisions about her children's future. "I worry about my eldest daughter when she starts secondary school," she said. "To be honest I don't really want to send her to school in Croydon, I want to send her to the Beckenham side."
Rita Patel, a 30-year resident and Tesco employee, noted a sharp decline in safety over time. "There are so many shoplifters, it's dangerous now," she said, adding that she fears walking to work on dark winter mornings due to frequent fights on the high street. While longer summer days offer some relief, she remains concerned for her children's safety in the town centre.
Isobel Sugden, who works at the Studio Upstairs creative charity in West Croydon, highlighted the impact of crime and homelessness on her organisation. "I am noticing a lot of drug and mental health issues," she said. "There is a lot of demand for our services." The charity provides a creative outlet for people experiencing mental health or emotional difficulties.
Lifelong resident Dan Wright pointed to a lack of opportunities for young people as a root cause. "I think young people need something to do, there's a lack of opportunity for them in their free time. That's why they get into mischief," he said. "I have friends that have moved out of the area because there's nothing to do around here."
Efforts to improve safety include the introduction of fixed live facial recognition cameras in Croydon, the first of their kind in London, alongside ongoing community policing initiatives. However, crime remains a major talking point for candidates in the council elections, where all 70 seats across 28 wards will be contested. Voters will also choose their next Executive Mayor, a role that shapes borough services.
Croydon Council has been under Conservative control since 2022, when the party took power from Labour. Conservative Mayor Jason Perry is seeking re-election but faces seven other candidates arguing for change. Frustration with political leaders was common among voters. Robert Reakes, a pigeon fan and resident, said: "I get a bit fed up because they come out with all these promises and they don't stick to them." He cited the decline of the town centre, with many shops closing due to high rents.
Elderly resident Margaret Confliffe expressed disappointment over the delayed Westfield Masterplan. "Years ago they promised us a new shopping centre, but that still isn't here," she said. "The days where we are going to get anything of quality are gone." She now shops in London or Bromley for decent stores, adding: "All they seem to do in Croydon is demolish things and build high-rise flats."
Despite concerns, many described Croydon as an exciting, well-connected metropolitan hub with potential. Artist Jen Wiseman, from Addiscombe, called for more cultural activities. "Croydon needs more cultural activities," she said, noting that events like the jazz band performance at the Clocktower Café foster community cohesion. "It would be good to get the word out how Croydon is not such a bad place. It is multi-cultural, it's interesting and has so many amenities."
