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I wanted to provide you an update regarding Violent crime, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. Preventing violent crime requires a multi-layered approach that includes personal situational awareness, community vigilance, and addressing the underlying social triggers of aggression.
1. Personal Safety and Situational Awareness
- Trust Your Instincts: If a place or person feels unsafe, leave immediately. Your "gut feeling" is often a subconscious reaction to subtle danger cues.
- Stay Alert: Avoid "distracted walking" caused by looking at your phone or wearing headphones, especially at night. Being aware of your surroundings makes you a less likely target.
- Plan Your Routes: Stick to well-lit, busy streets. Avoid shortcuts through parks, alleys, or unlit parking lots. If using public transport, wait in designated well-lit areas.
- De-escalation: If confronted, try to remain calm. Use a steady voice and avoid aggressive body language. In most cases, your primary goal should be to create distance and escape rather than engage.
2. Community and Neighbourhood Defence
- Neighbourhood Watch: Join or start a local watch program. Criminals are less likely to operate in areas where neighbours are known to look out for one another and report suspicious activity.
- Environmental Design: Enhance safety through "Target Hardening." This includes installing motion-sensor lighting, maintaining clear sightlines by trimming overgrown hedges, and using robust locks on gates and doors.
- Support Local Youth: Violent crime often stems from a lack of opportunity. Supporting local mentorship programs and community centres provides at-risk individuals with constructive outlets.
3. Reporting and Intervention
- See Something, Say Something: Report suspicious behaviour to the police early. Small interventions can prevent a situation from escalating into a violent confrontation.
- Intervention Programs: Support initiatives that focus on "violence interrupters"—trained individuals who step into brewing conflicts to mediate and resolve disputes before they turn physical.
- Domestic Violence Awareness: Since a significant portion of violent crime occurs in domestic settings, knowing the signs of abuse and supporting local shelters can save lives.
4. Digital and Social Safety
- Limit Information Sharing: Be cautious about sharing your real-time location on social media, as this can be used by offenders to track your movements.
- Safe Meeting Places: When meeting someone from an online marketplace or dating app, always choose a public, highly visible location and inform a friend of your plans.
 We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years. | 
