Starting tomorrow, Tuesday 3rd March, Hounslow Police Station will move to ‘extended hours’ rather than a round-the-clock service. The decision comes as part of a London-wide strategy to bridge a £260 million funding gap and redirect resources toward frontline patrolling.
The front counter at Hounslow Police Station will now operate during the following times:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 22:00
- Saturday and Sunday: 09:00 – 19:00.
The Met revealed that public habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. Since 2012, reports made at front counters across London have plummeted by 60%.
Data shows that overnight, only one in every 2,000 crimes is reported at a physical desk, with 95% of all crime reports now made via phone or online.
The force expects the reduction in hours to free up approximately 3,000 officer hours and deliver £7 million in savings. These resources are set to be reinvested into tackling knife crime, robbery, and anti-social behaviour.
Police are urging residents to use digital and phone channels for non-emergencies:
- Online: Visit the Met Police website
- Phone: Call 101 (Non-emergency)
- Textphone (Hearing/Speech impaired): Text 18000
- Anonymous: Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.