I am grateful for the opportunity to raise concerns about police resources within the south west command unit of the Metropolitan Police, which covers Richmond and Kingston among others. I commend the local police force but highlight that scarce resources are often diverted towards addressing demands in Wandsworth, an inner-city borough with unique challenges. The ongoing pandemic has exacerbated issues by shifting crime patterns from city centres to suburban areas like Richmond and Kingston, leading to a rise in antisocial behaviour and a need for more visible policing. I have written to the Mayor expressing my concerns about potential budget cuts due to the impact of coronavirus on local authority budgets, which could further strain police resources. The mayor’s office provided information on measures taken but could not assure an increase in police numbers for Richmond and Kingston. Furthermore, private security initiatives have emerged as a response to the perceived lack of policing presence, which I firmly oppose. I call upon the Government to ensure that all communities receive adequate policing resources.