The Met and the Media: the mysteries of London's "best kept secret"

Over a decade ago, London's ever-evolving landscape continued to surprise its residents with peculiar announcements and hidden gems. Back then, the launch of Police.uk by the Home Office marked a significant step in providing accessible street-level crime statistics across the nation. However, as we dive into the intricacies of one specific area, Brockley, a distinct urban enclave in the heart of the city, we unearth an enigmatic tale of burglary statistics and lack of police transparency. TheBigRetort...

In the deep past, the introduction of the new London Overground had residents lining up to catch a glimpse of their evolving city. One such stop, Brockley, seemed to blur into the background, overshadowed by the more recognisable, Bromley.  However, located just 5 miles southeast of Charing Cross, the "urban green" paradise of Brockley—also known by its postcode, SE4—actually offers, in estate-agent-speak,  ‘stunning views, desirable properties, and a slice of all-inclusive city living.’ Yet, even as late as 2010, despite its proximity to central London, this idyllic haven remained a well-kept secret in the borough of Lewisham.

Focusing on a specific road, the then statistics provided a puzzling picture on burglary. According to data from the Home Office, nine burglaries took place on one road alone in December 2010. This shocking revelation placed it as the seventh worst road for burglaries in the UK. 

However, something didn't quite add up... Only one month’s data was presented. And where were the specific dates? These questions led to The Big Retort conducting its own enquiry into the accuracy of the reported statistics.

Brockley's Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) was approached for clarification. But instead of shedding light on the matter, the police response raised more questions. A veil of secrecy seemed to shroud the answers, with statements such as, "I can't at this point in time elaborate any further on detail… but will endeavour to clarify ASAP as much as possible." The ambiguity and reluctance to provide specific information left us wondering about the true nature of the reported burglaries.

As we delved deeper, we discovered a hidden "spree" of burglaries that occurred on Christmas Day, a fact that residents in that particular road claimed they were never informed about. The secrecy surrounding these incidents added a layer of mystery to the situation. Was there something the police were eager to keep hidden from the public eye? The more we investigated, the more apparent it became that the true story might lie beneath the surface. Or next door.

Attempting to navigate the complex world of police press bureaus proved to be a challenge. The MPS Press Bureau (Southeast) had a reputation for its intricate dealings with freelance journalists, often employing a tiered approach to information dissemination. The challenges of obtaining accurate information and responses from press officers echoed the sentiments of renowned journalist Pete Sawyer, formerly of Punch Magazine, who had warned about the struggles faced by freelancers.

This intricate dance of information continued as we attempted to communicate with a spokeswoman for the MPS Press Bureau. The conversation was characterised by a supercilious tone and vague responses, leaving us with more questions than answers. Despite the challenges, we pressed on in pursuit of clarity.

As the pieces of the puzzle slowly fell into place, Brockley's status as "south London's best-kept secret" took on a new dimension. The intricate web of statistics, police transparency, and the complex dynamics of dealing with press bureaus painted a picture of a community with hidden stories waiting to be uncovered.

Fast-forward to today, and Brockley's allure remains intact. The urban green oasis continues to captivate with its stunning views and coveted properties. While technology and transparency have evolved since our investigation in 2012, the challenges of obtaining accurate information and navigating the complex world of police data and press bureaus persist. We find this not just with the MPS by the way. The bureaucracy and closed local government response from Lewisham Council holds no comparison. But more often than not they are not only responsible for what lies not just next door but within the wider community. Sometimes they like to conceal this from their constituents.

The enigmatic allure of Brockley, with its verdant charm and hidden narratives, serves as a reminder that beneath the surface of any community lies a tapestry of stories waiting to be told. As we revisit this tale from the past, we reflect on the importance of seeking the truth, no matter how elusive it may seem or unpalatable. For what is democracy without truth?

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