Residents of the London Borough of Southwark have launched a campaign calling for increased safety in Burgess Park.
The petition, addressed to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, local councillors and MP for Peckham Miatta Fahnbulleh, demands the formation of a multi-agency task force, increased police patrol, installation of CCTV cameras and regular community safety meetings.
According to the campaign website, it is in response to “an upsurge in crime and antisocial behaviour”. This includes a recent incident last August in which 47-year-old Edwin Granados-Ramos was handed a suspended two-year sentence and a 5-year ban from the park for masturbating in front of schoolgirls.
‘Burgess Park has always had a reputation for being unsafe.’
Recent statistics gathered by CrimeRatePro show that robbery in the area is 5 times higher than that of the national average, highlighting the wider concerns of the campaign.
Local resident, Tiarnee Thorpe, who works at a cafe within the park, describes a long-standing awareness of the park’s perceived dangers.
As long as I’ve lived here, Burgess Park has always had a reputation for being unsafe.
Tiarnee Thorpe, local resident.
The petition also points to data gathered by Southwark Crime and Safety Statistics which shows in 2023 there were 19 counts of violent and sexual offences, 18 robberies and 17 incidents of anti-social behaviour.
While these figures prove concerning, both campaigners and residents alike believe the numbers do not fully reflect the magnitude of the issue.
One campaigner, who wished to remain anonymous, echoed this. She stated that the objective of the petition is to highlight “the depth of the issue”.
With winter approaching, there is also serious concern over female safety, particularly related to walking in the park at night.
Karen Bichar, who works at the local nursery and was unaware of the petition, believes the entire park should be lit up during winter and, as a result, urges her female colleagues not to walk through the park at night.
Doubts over demands being met
With the petition set to expire on the 5th of November, some locals doubt that demands will be adequately met, either through poor management, lack of communication or insufficient funds.
One campaigner pointed to a lack of coordination between the council, police and local agencies as a reason for past failures. She says each department has been “trying to fix the problem but from their own corner” therefore highlighting a “missed opportunity” to bring about a co-coordinated response in combatting crime in the area.
Resident Sean Stevenson feels, “either the council does not care or has their hands full.”
Meanwhile, Tiarnee Thorpe stated that “despite promises, there is always a funding issue, and they struggle to follow through.”
What Petition?
Another dilemma for campaigners is the struggle to gain broader support for the cause. An anonymous campaigner cited public distrust in government authorities as a potential explanation for this. They go on to say residents avoid petitions like this due to privacy concerns or doubt that any substantial change will happen.
Karen Bichar, however, voiced concern that certain groups, like the local nursery she works at, were not once notified about the petition despite the nursery’s predominantly female staff. Meanwhile, residents like Didi Bostock contest that parks are an inherently dangerous place at night and, when asked about the petition, simply replied, “What petition?”
Moving Forward
When asked about the petition, Southwark Council pointed to an upcoming meeting in the park on November 1st which will address women’s safety. For campaigners, this meeting signifies a step towards a mutual understanding and further collaboration between residents and Southwark Council.
An anonymous campaigner warned of the stakes.
I’m hopeful agencies will step up, but if not, it’s a dereliction of duty and completely unacceptable, and those responsible will have blood on their hands.
Anonymous campaigner
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HeadlineCampaign set up to stop crime in Burgess Park
Short HeadlineCampaign set up to stop crime in Burgess Park
StandfirstPetition made to increase safety in Burgess Park in 'urgent appeal' to local authorities
Residents of the London Borough of Southwark have launched a campaign calling for increased safety in Burgess Park.
The petition, addressed to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, local councillors and MP for Peckham Miatta Fahnbulleh, demands the formation of a multi-agency task force, increased police patrol, installation of CCTV cameras and regular community safety meetings.
According to the campaign website, it is in response to “an upsurge in crime and antisocial behaviour”. This includes a recent incident last August in which 47-year-old Edwin Granados-Ramos was handed a suspended two-year sentence and a 5-year ban from the park for masturbating in front of schoolgirls.
‘Burgess Park has always had a reputation for being unsafe.’
Recent statistics gathered by CrimeRatePro show that robbery in the area is 5 times higher than that of the national average, highlighting the wider concerns of the campaign.
Local resident, Tiarnee Thorpe, who works at a cafe within the park, describes a long-standing awareness of the park’s perceived dangers.
As long as I’ve lived here, Burgess Park has always had a reputation for being unsafe.
Tiarnee Thorpe, local resident.
The petition also points to data gathered by Southwark Crime and Safety Statistics which shows in 2023 there were 19 counts of violent and sexual offences, 18 robberies and 17 incidents of anti-social behaviour.
While these figures prove concerning, both campaigners and residents alike believe the numbers do not fully reflect the magnitude of the issue.
One campaigner, who wished to remain anonymous, echoed this. She stated that the objective of the petition is to highlight “the depth of the issue”.
With winter approaching, there is also serious concern over female safety, particularly related to walking in the park at night.
Karen Bichar, who works at the local nursery and was unaware of the petition, believes the entire park should be lit up during winter and, as a result, urges her female colleagues not to walk through the park at night.
Doubts over demands being met
With the petition set to expire on the 5th of November, some locals doubt that demands will be adequately met, either through poor management, lack of communication or insufficient funds.
One campaigner pointed to a lack of coordination between the council, police and local agencies as a reason for past failures. She says each department has been “trying to fix the problem but from their own corner” therefore highlighting a “missed opportunity” to bring about a co-coordinated response in combatting crime in the area.
Resident Sean Stevenson feels, “either the council does not care or has their hands full.”
Meanwhile, Tiarnee Thorpe stated that “despite promises, there is always a funding issue, and they struggle to follow through.”
What Petition?
Another dilemma for campaigners is the struggle to gain broader support for the cause. An anonymous campaigner cited public distrust in government authorities as a potential explanation for this. They go on to say residents avoid petitions like this due to privacy concerns or doubt that any substantial change will happen.
Karen Bichar, however, voiced concern that certain groups, like the local nursery she works at, were not once notified about the petition despite the nursery’s predominantly female staff. Meanwhile, residents like Didi Bostock contest that parks are an inherently dangerous place at night and, when asked about the petition, simply replied, “What petition?”
Moving Forward
When asked about the petition, Southwark Council pointed to an upcoming meeting in the park on November 1st which will address women’s safety. For campaigners, this meeting signifies a step towards a mutual understanding and further collaboration between residents and Southwark Council.
An anonymous campaigner warned of the stakes.
I’m hopeful agencies will step up, but if not, it’s a dereliction of duty and completely unacceptable, and those responsible will have blood on their hands.
