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I wanted to provide an update regarding Violence against shop workers, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. Dear residents,
On Sunday 25/10/2026 I attended St Johns Church North End Road SW6 after recent reports by the church of unruly people taking advantage of church policies by being rude and confrontational to Church Wardens and staff members.
The church has always been associated as a place of worship, a place of sanctuary and a place of refuge where all people are welcome to come and enjoy the facilities provided and to share in the festivities and at times church services and events.
Of late there has been incidences at the church where staff have been put in difficult situations and often confrontational and aggressive situations where Police has been contacted.
I was asked by the Church parish council to come into St Johns Church after Sunday service and deliver a presentation to Church Wardens and Staff surrounding personal safety and de-escalating incidents without use of Police, during the presentation I opened questions to those in attendance and provided solutions to questions asked and gave tips in how to deal with confrontation by the way of kindness, respect whilst using empathy to evaluate a situation and calm down a potential safety risk.
Everyone deserves to come to work either paid or voluntary and is entitled to be safe in their place of work and be able to return home to their loved ones at the end of the day, rudeness and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated by staff or anyone connected to the church.
I was thanked by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) for taking my time to train staff to better equip themselves on a day to day basis from confrontation and conflict and how to confidently de-escalate matters.
Enjoy your day!
Regards,
PCSO Miller 7223 AW
Lillie Safer Neighbourhood Team
 Violence against shop workers and staff is a serious crime that should not be tolerated. Whether physical or verbal, any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work is completely unacceptable. If you do see any of this taking place, please report it as soon as possible or call 999. For more information, please see the Metropolitan Police website. We want your help to shape the future of policing across London. We are seeking your views on our new inclusion strategy to ensure that the Met is a police service that is trusted, representative and more effective at keeping London safe. You can have your say on our Inclusion Strategy consultation which runs until Thursday 26 November. | 
