Stop and search: The London areas where Black people are ‘48 times more likely to be stop and searched by police’ – East Sheen in Richmond, Dulwich Village and Hampstead Town
In affluent areas of London, black people are at a disproportionately higher risk of being stopped and searched by police.
New data reveals that these people are 48 times more likely to experience the condition than white people.
A comprehensive analysis of 152,000 Metropolitan Police stop records from 2023 found that the reasons given for these searches were often less specific when applied to Black individuals.
Researchers at King’s College London identified the wards with the most significant disparities: East Sheen in Richmond, where black people were 48 times more likely to be searched; Dulwich Village, at 40 times the rate; and the Town of Hampstead, 38 times.
In February this year, black citizens across London were 3.4 times more likely to be stopped and searched by police officers than white citizens; this rate was four times the national average.
Dr. from King’s College London Yijing Li said: “Our modeling has revealed clear evidence of unexplained disproportionality in how stop and search powers are used across London.
“These data-driven insights provide a solid evidence base to support fairer, more effective policing in London and aim to help rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement.”
In London, two-thirds (65.9%) of stops and searches result in no further action and 17.4% result in arrest.
Met officers carried out 149,299 searches in 2025, including 19,054 for weapons. In total, 3,748 weapons were found; 1,860 during weapons searches, and 1,888 during stops and searches related to other suspected crimes such as drugs and stolen property.
London mayor Sadiq Khan said: “Stop and search is a vital police tool. When implemented well, it stops those intent on causing harm and fear in our communities, removes dangerous weapons and drugs from our streets and ultimately saves lives.
But when done badly and unfairly, it undermines community trust and confidence and undermines the partnership and community relationships that are so important to consensual policing and keeping Londoners safe.
“This major new research shows that there is a significant and unacceptable level of disproportionality that we need to act on. That is why I am introducing a mandatory annual report into how stop and search is used in London, along with other steps to support and hold the Met to account.
“The use of stop and search must be more transparent and accountable to deliver a safer and fairer London for everyone.”
