Where I used to live In West London, there were always community support officers in evidence throughout the day, and also into the night, with car patrols after about 10pm.
I must admit in the two years I've lived in SE23 I dont think I've seen community support officers anywhere other than at Forest Hill station,
I think that having regular patrols acts as a deterrent and makes the area feel safer.
Thats just my opinion.
And yes, good street lighting is also very impotant