The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) announced that the Plumstead counter in Greenwich will close under a new proposal.
This is part of an effort to make £260 million in savings this year.
The MPS has made a deliberate decision to protect neighbourhood policing, response policing, and public protection.
The current high-level proposal seeks to maintain or reduce the operating hours of some front counters and close others.
This proposal has considered a range of factors including: front counter demand; accessibility and geographic spread (inner and outer London) and operational alignment to custody suites and investigative teams
On August 8, Greenwich Conservative Assembly Member Thomas Turrell AM criticised the Mayor of London’s deputy for policing on the closure.
Mr Turrell said: “Sadiq Khan made a manifesto commitment to retain one 24-hour police counter in each borough.
“He is breaking that promise, but instead of apologising to Londoners, he is hiding behind the police.
“This whole saga has been a shambles.
“Londoners deserve honesty and transparency from the Mayor.
“London deserves better.”
Councillor Charlie Davis, deputy leader of Greenwich Conservatives, said: “The closure of the front desk in Plumstead follows Sadiq Khan’s closure of Eltham Police Station earlier in his mayoralty.
“It means that Greenwich borough will no longer have a way for residents to report crime in person.
“And it’s further proof that Labour and Khan cannot be trusted to tackle crime and to keep our streets safe.”
On its website, a Metropolitan Police Service spokesperson said: “We are planning to move to a new model for front counter provision in London towards the end of this year.
“We are currently undertaking detailed design work and engagement which will inform the final proposal.”
The MPS aims to protect frontline policing services and has made deliberate choices to retain officers in the community where they are needed.
There are currently 37 front counters in operation across the Met, of which 32 are open 24/7, and five operate reduced hours.
The proposal suggests that the front counters in south east London will remain open in Lewisham, Bromley, Walworth, and Bexleyheath.
