Residents should be able to walk around their neighbourhood in safety and without fear.
I am appalled that a rape and sexual assault has happened near Highams Park Lake, Chingford. I am pleased the police acted swiftly to make an arrest and support the young victims and their families, but there needs to be more focus from the Police Safer Neighbourhoods Teams in order to prevent and tackle crime.
Public safety, especially safety of women and girls, must be an absolute priority for the Metropolitan Police, particularly here in Chingford and Woodford Green. The new Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, must now set a new violence reduction strategy.
Residents need to see the police in their communities and know they will respond quickly and efficiently to crime and anti-social behaviour. Following a campaign led by myself and local Conservative Councillors, I am pleased the Borough Commander for Redbridge, Detective Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman, has recognised the need for a Police Hub in South Woodford to cover the wards of South Woodford, Churchfields, and Monkhams.
This followed a petition with over 2000 signatories and a public meeting with the Borough Commander and residents who made it clear they want an increased police presence in the area. Neighbourhood policing is at the core of cutting crime and Safer Neighbourhoods Teams need to be properly resourced to tackle the challenges of their areas.
Your local Conservatives on Redbridge Council have also led the campaign to secure a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Woodford Bridge, Churchfields, South Woodford and Monkhams.
The PSPO means that anti-social behaviour such as aggressive begging, street drinking, spitting and public urination is banned and can be dealt with by the local police swiftly with fines of up to £1,000. Securing the PSPO has improved the atmosphere and cleanliness of these areas and local residents want the order to continue. The PSPO is up for renewal in October 2022, and I will work to ensure the PSPO is renewed.
Tackling local crime and stopping anti-social behaviour is the priority for residents and for me. In all my discussions with the Borough Commanders, I have maintained that the police must ensure we have an environment in which residents are safe and are able to pursue their lives, free from fear and harassment.
