A significant level of unreported crime in Haringey has been uncovered in a snapshot survey conducted by Metropolitan Police Authority member and Haringey councillor Lynne Featherstone, to be presented to the MPA tomorrow.

Over 38% of respondents who experienced or witnessed a crime in the last year did not report the crime to the police – and over half of those said they did not do so because they did not think the police would act or because they could not get hold of the police.

Lynne Featherstone commented:

“This survey of Haringey residents is a small yet significant snapshot of the extent of non-reporting of crime in London. If these results are replicated across London, over a third of the capital’s crime may go unreported.”

She added: “This issue must be tackled. We have to know the true level of crime in London.

“The survey also shows an alarming lack of trust and confidence in the police. Too many Londoners think ‘there’s no point contacting the police because they won’t do anything about it’.”

Ms Featherstone is calling on the Metropolitan Police Service to take steps to address the low level of public confidence in their accessibility, response to calls for help and the quality of service they provide in response.