IT’S been named as one of the best places to live in the UK – but residents of the thriving neighbourhood say it’s hiding a dark secret.
Locals describe shocking problems in the area – and they feel cops are doing nothing to reduce their fears.
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Once a quiet corner of Brent, the northwest London neighbourhood of Wembley has been transformed into one of the city’s most vibrant areas.
So much so that it was named one of the best places to live in London for 2025, according to The Sunday Times.
Over the past two decades a £2.8billion regeneration project has turned Wembley into a buzzing hub of activity and home to world-class events.
The development is set to be completed by 2027, with nearly half of the 85-acre site being converted into green spaces, including quirky parks like Zig-a-Zag Allée, a nod to the Spice Girls.
With world-famous Wembley Stadium at its heart, the area is constantly drawing in crowds from football fans to concertgoers.
In the coming months, the stadium will continue to host major sports matches, live gigs and global events, keeping Wembley firmly on the map.
However, beneath this buzzy exterior, some residents have expressed concerns about safety and crime.
Irshad Muhammed, 47, a store owner of 15 years, told us: “I’ve dealt with theft and shoplifting. We need more police presence to protect local businesses.
“We feel like the police are only focusing on the nice areas and not the rest of Wembley.”
Wembley Park has been identified as an area with a high crime rate -recording 203 crimes in February this year.
This is significantly higher than areas like the nearby borough of Sudbury West, which reported just 19 crimes in the same month.
The most prevalent crimes include theft from the person, violence and sexual offences, and anti-social behaviour.
Specifically, the severity of theft from the person is rated 7 out of 10 when compared to other local areas in England and Wales, violence and sexual offences at 8 out of 10 and anti-social behaviour also at 7 out of 10.
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Still, many feel Wembley still has more pros than cons.
Father and son Ayman and Mohammed Hussein, who run a local barber and perfume shop, say the area’s energy and opportunities make it ideal for both business and living.
“There’s real community spirit here,” said Mohammed. “Wembley caters to everyone, not many areas can say that.”
Locals say the strong sense of community and unbeatable transport links are just a few reasons why Wembley is such a great place to live.
“The transport is exquisite,” says Romi, a 23-year-old student.
She adds: “Wembley Park Station and Central Station are minutes apart and it’s a short journey into central London.
“I feel safe here and lucky to have so many food options from Indian to Somali and Caribbean.”
Wembley is also home to the popular London Designer Outlet, packed with dozens of shops offering big brands at discounted prices.
Streets of fear: Gangs, knives and rising violence in Woolwich
By Tom Bryden
MACHETE brawls in the street and drug gangs stalking kids on the school run – this is the darkest side of life in crime-hit Woolwich.
Residents and business owners claim they are used to seeing such bold acts of chilling violence and live in fear of savage criminals threatening an area only 20 minutes away from the gleaming skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.
In wake of the tragic fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa on a bus in broad daylight on January 7, residents say they refuse to step outside at night, terrified of being mugged, threatened or worse.
According to the latest police figures, the borough of Greenwich – of which Woolwich is a part – saw 144 stabbings in the last 12 months, marking a 5.6 per cent rise on the year before.
Community leaders, police and the council are working hard to stem the violence, but despite these efforts, locals fear their community has lost its way and witness incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour almost every day.
Maya*, 27, works as a tattoo artist in a shop on Hare Street in the town centre and has lived in Woolwich her whole life.
*Name has been changed
She revealed that her own brother lost his life in a shooting at 23.
“It’s continuous – Woolwich is actually getting worse, and it’s getting younger too,” she tells us.
“Every other day there’s something on this road alone and that’s just this part of town – there’s fighting, stabbing.
“It’s worrying, and everyone here feels it. But it’s so common now, that it’s almost a fleeting feeling.
“You almost can’t mourn for too long because there’ll be another one tomorrow.
“Everyone here wants to get out – it’s not somewhere you’d settle or raise a kid.”
Add to that Bread Ahead’s famous cookery school and sourdough classes and the lively Saturday market full of handmade crafts and artisan foods, and there’s always something going on.
Wembley Boxpark is another major draw, mixing 25 street food stalls with crazy golf, retro arcade games, darts, pool, VR experiences, DJ sets and live sports screenings.
Families are also proud to call Wembley home.
Priya, 32, and Rachita, 37, both mums, praise the parks, shops and community vibe.
“There’s a great sense of community, everyone knows everyone,” said Priya.
“We’ve got everything from Asda and Tesco to takeaways and even Amazon Fresh. I feel proud to live here.”
Madine, a 21-year-old student, says Wembley’s diversity is unmatched.
She said: “There’s something for everyone and I truly believe that.
“The stadium may be the main attraction, but it has helped small businesses thrive.
“From tourists to local visitors, there’s a reason the area is always packed and buzzing, there’s just so much to do.”
Cleaner Abdulaziz Abdirahman, 42, has worked in Wembley for over a decade.
She added: “I take great pride cleaning these streets, it stays clean because people care.”
But not everyone shares this optimism.
Small business owners are also feeling the squeeze.
Many local shopkeepers say they are increasingly worried about theft, vandalism and anti-social behaviour that have become part of daily life.
“It’s demoralising,” said Raj Singh, who runs a convenience store near the stadium.
“You can invest all you like in your shopfront, but if you’ve got people loitering or shoplifting, it chips away at your livelihood.”
According to the Metropolitan Police, Wembley Park recorded 203 crimes in February this year alone — one of the highest monthly totals in the borough.
The most frequently reported offences included theft, violence and sexual offences, and anti-social behaviour, reflecting the concerns raised by local traders.
Neighbourhood groups have been pressing local authorities for action, calling for an increase in CCTV coverage, more visible police patrols, and youth outreach programs. But many feel their pleas fall on deaf ears.
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