Policing & safety
Policing in the Royal Parks. Looking out for your safety and that of the wildlife
Providing a safe and welcoming space across 5,000 acres of beautiful parkland
The Royal Parks charity works closely with the Metropolitan Police Service to ensure that the parks are welcoming, safe spaces for everyone.
The police are responsible for enforcement of the law, including The Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces Regulations 1997. The Park regulations are a set of rules designed to help us balance the needs of different park visitors and look after the parks. The parks are generally safe spaces and visitors tell us that they feel very safe in the parks.
Being clear about policing and safety
There are several activities we ask you not to do. It’s to keep you and everyone else in the parks safe, so that everyone enjoys visiting these beautiful spaces and are respectful and considerate of others.
If the law is broken or there are any regulation breaches, police action and legal penalties may apply. Below are some examples of activity that is not allowed within in a Royal Park. Please do not:
- Light a fire or barbeque
- Feed or touch any wildlife
- Cycle on the grass or on a path not designated for that purpose
- Trade without a licence
- Camp overnight or stay after we’ve locked the gates
- Allow your dog to be off a lead in areas where that is not permitted
- Play amplified music without permission
- Organise an event or assembly without permission
Signage throughout the parks makes this clear for all visitors. The Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces Regulations 1997 provide full clarity.
Help the police to help you
If you see or hear somebody doing something that doesn’t look right, looks like it’s causing or could cause harm to others, please contact the Police as soon as possible. The sooner they know, the sooner they can respond.
Call it in
Call 999 if it’s an emergency (if a crime is taking place, you suspect someone of a crime, violence is being used or threatened, or where there is a danger to life), or 101 if it’s a non-emergency. You can also report a crime online via the Metropolitan Police Report a Crime site or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
Changing The Guard
During ‘Changing The Guard’ ceremony, Police Officers are always present to ensure a safe and smooth event. If you are coming to watch, please do take care of your personal possessions at all times. As with all crowded places, pickpockets have been known to operate in this area. Please report any suspicious behaviour to a Police Officer. For further advice, please visit the Metropolitan Police website.
