Croydon is stepping up its zero-tolerance approach to crime and antisocial behaviour, with fifteen mobile CCTV cameras now being deployed across the borough to target hotspots and protect residents.
The rollout forms part of Mayor Jason Perry’s wider mission to restore pride in Croydon’s neighbourhoods and make clear that the borough is no longer a soft touch for those who blight communities with crime, disorder and fly-tipping.
The deployable cameras are being installed in areas where residents have repeatedly raised concerns about antisocial behaviour, including fly-tipping, drug dealing, knife crime, late-night noise and criminal damage. Footage will be used by the council and police to identify offenders, support enforcement action and bring perpetrators to justice.
This tougher, more visible enforcement builds on real progress already being made. Overall crime across Croydon fell by 4.1 per cent in 2025, with offences down from 38,102 to 36,519 — clear evidence that sustained action is starting to turn the tide.
Targeting hotspots and responding to residents
Cameras have been deployed in Selhurst, Broad Green, Woodside, Thornton Heath, South Norwood, East Croydon, West Croydon and the town centre, as well as on housing estates where residents have asked for stronger protection for their homes and shared spaces.
Using intelligence from Love Clean Streets reports, the council has also identified fly-tipping hotspots. Community compliance officers will now be able to use CCTV footage as evidence to investigate offences and issue fines or prosecutions against those responsible.
At Thornton Heath Recreation Ground, near the Winterborne Road entrance, a new camera has been installed following repeated reports of late-night noise, drug use and antisocial behaviour. The council is working closely with local policing teams to tackle these issues, with CCTV providing vital evidence to support action.
Crucially, the cameras are mobile and can be moved quickly as new hotspots emerge, allowing the council to respond rapidly to changing patterns of antisocial behaviour.
“Croydon is no longer a soft touch”
As part of the rollout, Mayor Perry visited the Tamworth Estate in central Croydon to see the cameras in action and hear directly from residents about the difference they are making.
Residents welcomed the move as another practical step towards making their area safer and restoring confidence in the estate.
Kelly, Chair of the Tamworth Estate Residents Association, said:
“This is wonderful news for the Tamworth Estate. We are working hard with Croydon Council so that we all feel safe, and we’re grateful that our concerns have been listened to.”
Mayor Perry said the cameras send a clear message about the direction Croydon is now heading in.
“As part of my zero-tolerance approach to crime and antisocial behaviour, we are cracking down on the individuals who make life miserable for law-abiding residents. Croydon is no longer a soft touch. If people break the law in our borough, we will find them, we will fine them, and we will work with the police to bring them to justice.
“These mobile cameras give us the evidence we need to act decisively — on our streets, in our parks and on our housing estates. Just as importantly, they allow us to respond quickly when residents raise concerns and take tough action where it is needed.
“Restoring pride in Croydon starts with people feeling safe where they live. I will continue to take firm action against antisocial behaviour and urge residents to keep reporting issues so we can deal with them.”
Residents can find more information on how to report antisocial behaviour on the council’s website.
