Crime and Policing Bill 2025: Police Given New Powers in Support of the Government’s Safer Streets Mission

On the 25 February 2025, Labour’s promised flagship Crime and Policing Bill entered Parliament in an attempt to crackdown on crime and enhance policing powers. It is said to be at the heart of what Labour is calling its ‘Safer Streets Mission’. Various measures were included that tackle some of the most serious of crimes. However, it is also aiming to give police new powers that allow smaller investigations, that often take up a lot of police time and recourses, to move faster. This will further be backed up by an extra 13,000 recruiters for neighbourhood policing roles.

Understanding these measures is crucial for effectively advising clients.

Here, we examine a few key provisions and their potential implications.

Warrantless searches for stolen property

Police will now be able to search properties without a warrant if electronic stolen items are believed to be in a premise and it is impractical to obtain said warrant from a court. These stolen items can be located through a ‘find my phone app’, Wi-Fi access points, Bluetooth, tracking devices, or by any other geotagging means. This measure is intended to allow police to act swiftly and quickly with the aim of providing a better service to those who have had property stolen.

These powers will also apply to stolen vehicles and other goods which can be geolocated. 

Seizure of anti-social vehicles

On the topic of vehicles, the Home Secretary announced new Respect Orders (those said to better combat anti-social behaviours) which allows police to seize off-road bikes and other vehicles that are being used in an anti-social manner or driven illegally – without the need for prior warnings. This seizure only depends on reasonable belief by a police officer as to it occurring. This expanded power is designed to deter reckless and dangerous behaviour.

What else does the bill cover?

With full implementation, the bill is expected to cost £48.65 million per year and is expected to be fully implemented by the end of 2025. It promises to do the following:

1.      Address the crisis of serious violence, child sexual abuse, and violence against women and girls.

2.      Safeguard the public and our communities from antisocial behaviour, retail crime, and shoplifting.

3.      Equip the police and relevant authorities with the necessary tools to tackle antisocial behaviour, crime, and terrorism.

4.      Restore public trust in policing and the broader criminal justice system.

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By Maya Orme