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As things have begun to settle down I wanted to write and update you on the situation in Tooting and the wider area, and on the support that is being offered for individuals and businesses who have been affected by the events of the past week.  As such this may be a slightly longer e-news than normal.

I have been receiving regular updates from Wandsworth Borough Police throughout the week, and have met with the Gold Group (senior commanders) leading the response to unrest across the borough.  The general situation is now ‘normal’ – there have been no serious incidents associated with the unrest since Monday’s events in Clapham Junction.  A heavy police presence will be maintained throughout the borough for the time being.

As many of you will be aware, arrests are now being made, many based on good intelligence received from members of the public.  Please read below on what you can do to help the police investigation.  Only a small number of people have been arrested in Wandsworth, with many responsible for incidents in the area believed to have come from other parts of London.

There has been a huge spike in 999 calls this week which is understandably putting resources under pressure.  Please remember that 999 should only be dialled in an emergency or if you see a crime taking place (for non-urgent calls please dial 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111).

The events of the past week have made it clear that this is not a time to undermine the resources of the Metropolitan Police.  There are 900 fewer police in London now than there were a year ago, with more cuts to come.  I have written to the leader of Wandsworth Council, Councillor Ravi Govindia, asking him to support my calls for these cuts to be reversed.  You can lend your own voice by signing my petition against the cuts here.


Can you help?

CCTV images and photos of suspects are being uploaded to the Metropolitan Police’s website on a daily basis.  Photos can be viewed here and videos will be available to be viewed here.  If you have any videos or photos which may help identify suspects please email them to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you recognise anybody, or if you have any information which may help the police investigation into the week’s events please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Major Investigation Team on 020 8345 4142.

Remember, if it is an emergency, you witness a crime taking place or you feel you are in danger always dial 999.


Support for local businesses

Businesses who have been affected by the week’s events may be able to get support from Wandsworth Council and the government, in addition to any claims that made be made against insurance policies.  If you are the owner or manager of a business that has suffered a loss as a result of this week’s events please ensure you get a crime number from the police as soon as possible.

Individuals or businesses who are uninsured may still be able to claim compensation from their Police Authority under the Riot Damages Act, but they will have to do this within 42 days of the incident which caused damage/loss.

More information about the support for businesses and compensation can be found at theDepartment of Business, Innovation & Skills here, and Wandsworth Council’s website here.


Finally, thank you.

Now a quick word of thanks.  This week has shown the best of our community in many ways – from the Tooting residents I know who have helped businesses across the borough (and outside) tidy up after looting incidents, to the people who took to social network to dispel various untrue rumours about unrest in Tooting throughout the week, and the people who have gone out of their way to check in on friends and neighbours.  It’s been a very difficult week for many of us, and the overwhelming majority have risen to the challenging circumstances and shown that we live in a strong, generous and decent community.