Doubly agreed.

As far as I'm aware the only police station in the borough is Lewisham, with civilian staff behind the desk. I had to report something, waited ages and ages to be seen only to be told "it can only be done online". Neither proactive nor helpful. One police station for an entire borough is laughable.

I agree that resources are stretched to breaking point, but that is down to the Mayor who extortionately increases his part of the council tax bill and every year, but their is no improvement in the service provided, the opposite happens, year on year crime levels increase and escalate.

People have lost respect for the police because of how they behave towards the public in general and the bad police within the Met who have been exposed and brought to justice. They reap what they sow, treat people as individuals, be helpful, be kind, be considerate, be civil, provide the service and at least meet the expectations of those they are there to serve. They then may find people give them the respect they want.

Ultimately it comes down to being seen, being proactive with the public and delivering results, so that the levels of criminality decrease. London is unfortunately no longer the place it was or a safe place to live.