The advice was given to people living in an area of St John’s Wood reportedly plagued by drug gangs breaking into cars and threatening householders.
The Sun reported that the suggestion came in an email from an officer after reports of increasing disruption.
One St John’s Wood resident told the paper nearly 20 cars have been broken into and 22 people have complained about drug-related crime.
In one instance, he said a dealer threatened to shoot and dismember him when they were challenged.
The police email advised the man, who took photos of the offences, to keep reporting incidents, but also suggested contacting the housing association or council to arrange for classical music to be played in the area.
It reportedly said music by composers such as Mozart or Bach could help prevent crime.
But it then warned him not to play it too loudly “as that can cause other complaints”.
The outraged recipient of the email, a businessman in his 50s, expressed disbelief.
He told The Sun: “Are the police on another planet?
“It’s crazy that they thought this would solve the problem.”
In its report, the Sun reported that one family saw drug users shooting up and burning crack cocaine on the doorstep of their £3 million house.
Another householder, who was confronted by a drug user in her garden, dismissed the idea of playing classical music as “just stupid.”
The Metropolitan Police have since distanced themselves from the advice.
A spokesperson for the Met said: “While clearly well-intentioned, the advice in the email sent to the resident in this case doesn’t reflect Met policy.”
The neighbourhood, known for its affluent residents and proximity to the famous Abbey Road Studios, has reportedly seen a rise in drug-related activities.
The Beatles recorded much of their work, including their 1969 album Abbey Road in St John’s Wood, North London.
