London mayor Boris Johnson has launched the Safer Parks Award to recognise steps taken by borough authorities and user groups in a bid to crack down on crime.

According to a recent Greater London Authority (GLA) survey, more than a quarter of Londoners admitted to avoiding local parks due to safety concerns. The GLA study found that 27 per cent of respondents fear groups of loitering teenagers; 26 per cent felt at risk of being mugged; and 25 per cent were concerned with "inadequate" lighting.

Johnson's new Safer Parks Award aims to recognise good practice in tackling specific anti-social behavioural issues; encouraging the use of parks; and challenging perceptions of unsafe areas. "Parks make a tremendous difference to our quality of life and everyone from early morning joggers, to kids riding their bikes after school should be able to use them with confidence," he said.

"My award will recognise the hard work that goes on across London to keep our parks free of crime. From cutting down hedges to increase visibility, to installing CCTV and strong lighting, little things can make a big impact on safety and deter criminality."