'Vibrant' city centre descends into crime as 'police are doing nothing'

Camden has the second-highest crime rate in London, behind Westminster.

There is nearly one crime for every five residents in the North London borough, according to ONS figures, with numbers expected to be higher due to unreported crimes.

Residents told The Sun they don't call the police when their phones are nicked or they witness a drug deal because local authorities are "doing nothing as per usual."

Council workers said that every day they witness crimes on the street.

Residents echoed this, claiming that the thieves target vulnerable people by snatching their phones.

Locals have said they avoid using their mobiles while out and about, out of fear they will lose their devices to a masked thief riding an e-bike.

Anna Sabben, 32, a mother, said the rise in crime has left her terrified of leaving her home.

She explained: "I don't really dare to be on my phone when I'm out.

"You even get the odd person going around shouting and spitting on people, they're probably intoxicated."

Shipu Qureshi, 45, who works in Camden, told The Sun that he keeps a mobile with a cracked screen in the hope that thieves will avoid targeting him.

He said it was stolen once before and returned moments later because of the damage, with the thief throwing it on the ground upon discovering it was cracked.

One resident claimed that tourism fuels the wave of crime, with innocent tourists falling victim to criminals.

People in the borough are becoming desensitised to it, according to residents.

Business owners have highlighted to the publication that shoplifting was becoming a serious problem in the area.

One cafe worker, only referred to as Michel, said: "Police don’t do nothing about it. Running a business and not getting help from the police is a worry, they never help.

"The problem here is the youngsters, they do fights, arguments, the police should do stop and search.

"It is a concern because nowadays they’re getting stabbed everywhere. We don’t see them [police] very often, not like the olden days. It’s a good place to work but it’s a bit scary. Police are doing nothing as per usual. Now that it’s getting dark it is a bit scary."

A Camden Council spokesman said: "We work closely with the Police to keep Camden residents safe and respond to issues in their communities.

"We’re stepping up our response to anti-social behaviour, including putting on more patrols in hotspot areas.

"Every reported incident is investigated by our Community Safety team, so we urge residents to report non-emergency anti-social behaviour via our online reporting tool, or by calling 0207 974 4444."

TOP 10 MOST UK CRIME HOTSPOTS (Per 1000 people)

Westminster - 423.2

Camden - 194.8

Newcastle - 166

Middlesbrough - 158.3

Blackpool - 154.4

Manchester - 152.4

Islington - 140.8

Bristol - 132.3

Nottingham - 118.4

Leicester - 117.6

Superintendent Matt Cox, who leads neighbourhood policing in Camden, said that the force is committed to addressing concerns raised by local residents.

He added: "We have worked with partners, such as Camden council to reduce overall neighbourhood crime by 24 per cent, robbery by 29 per cent, theft by 27.5 per cent and anti-social behaviour by 5.5 per cent compared to the previous year.

"We are arresting and charging more offenders as part of our initiative to tackle crime in the borough.

"We have recognised Camden Town Centre as one of our highest priorities in the borough and have an increased police presence within this area in order to identify issues, tackle crime, including anti-social behaviour.

"Through effective policing, strong partnerships and working directly with communities we will continue to bring down crime rates throughout Camden."