25 new police officers boost town centre team
Published: 15 February 2022
Following a campaign led by Redbridge Council local policing received a boost today with the deployment of a new inspector, two sergeants and 21 constables to serve Ilford Town Centre.
The additional police recourse increases capacity in one of the busiest parts of the borough and will help crack down on crime and antisocial behaviour hotspots in and around the town centre.
The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal, greeted the new officers on their first shift. Speaking of the new arrivals he said:
“I’m pleased that our campaign for more police has yielded such overwhelming results for Redbridge. Everyone deserves to feel safe on our streets and as a council we are committed to working with our partners in the police to crack down on crime and make our borough safer for local families. The extra police officers patrolling our town centre will prevent crime and send a strong message to criminals that they are not welcome in Redbridge.”
The resident-led Community Crime Commission considered policing as part of its recommendations for keeping the borough safe. Their plan, due for publication in March 2022, suggests a range of ways that public services can support residents more effectively.
Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal continued:
“I’ve lived in Ilford with my family for over 50 years so I know how important safe streets are to local people, that’s why Redbridge Council has increased CCTV across the borough, introduced Enforcement Hubs and launched a series of Women’s Safety Walks. Together with the Community Crime Commission and local police we will keep Redbridge safe.”
The new police team will work closely with existing officers and Redbridge Council Enforcement Officers as part of a strategic plan to target criminals and improve confidence amongst the community. The council crime reduction strategy has already brought additional Enforcement Hubs in key locations across the borough and a Mobile Enforcement Hub that directs specialist resources to where they are needed.
