Following news that Ealing recorded the highest number of vehicle crime offences of any London borough in the year to September 2025, Ealing Liberal Democrats have raised concerns about policing and community safety in the borough.
As previously reported by EALING.NEWS, Metropolitan Police figures show 4,352 vehicle-related offences were recorded in Ealing over the 12-month period, placing it top among London’s 32 boroughs and ahead of Westminster.
Although offences fell over the past year, the borough’s car crime levels remain higher than in earlier years. Ealing recorded 4,440 vehicle-related offences in both 2021–22 and 2022–23, rising to 4,797 in 2023–24 before falling to 4,352 in the most recent year. Over recent years, Ealing has ranked increasingly high among London boroughs for car crime, placing sixth in 2021–22, fourth in 2022–23 and second in 2023–24, when offences rose by 8% year on year.
The Lib Dems said the scale of offending remains a serious concern and linked levels of car crime to policing decisions in the borough, including changes to police station access. The party highlighted the reduction in overnight front counter opening hours at Acton police station, which had previously been the borough’s only 24-hour front counter.
Councillor Connie Hersch, Ealing Liberal Democrat spokesperson for crime, anti-social behaviour, communities and culture, said: “Ealing Liberal Democrats are appalled that Ealing borough tops the list of car crime across all of London boroughs. This is shocking and it shows that Labour, who have controlled two of three levels of governance, have not dealt with reducing crime as a priority.”
The Liberal Democrats said fewer visible police officers and police station closures had contributed to crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly in West Ealing and around transport hubs. They called for a return to neighbourhood policing and increased visibility, arguing that well-lit and well-maintained public spaces were central to improving safety.
The party encouraged residents to continue reporting crimes to the police through 999, 101, the Metropolitan Police website or local Safer Neighbourhood Teams.
