New Park Patrol Force Launched in Redbridge
Published: 22 March 2022
On Monday (21st March), Redbridge Council launched a new mobile patrol service to prevent and detect antisocial behaviour in the borough's parks.
The new service, Parkguard, will patrol Redbridge parks and crackdown on crime, antisocial behaviour and environmental crime through engagement, enforcement and education.
Parkguard will work with the police, Redbridge Council's Enforcement Teams, Friends of Parks, Volunteers, and park visitors. The service will begin with two mobile Parkguard Officers on duty seven days per week.
The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal, said: "Redbridge is home to some of the best parks in London. As we move into Spring, we all want to get out into our local parks and enjoy the good weather, and we should be able to, free from any worry about antisocial behaviour or littering.
"The vast majority of park visitors go to unwind, exercise and spend time outdoors, and we've invested over £1.6m in our parks to make them as enjoyable as possible. Our new mobile patrol service will provide visible reassurance to people in our parks and be on hand should any issues arise."
The Deputy Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said: "We want our neighbours across Redbridge and beyond to have a great time visiting our award-winning parks.
"The Parkguard patrol officers will provide support and assistance to park visitors, work closely with Council Enforcement Officers and the police and use their experience and diplomacy to nip any problems in the bud before they escalate. When you see them, go over and say hello; they're here to help."
The new patrol service will work closely with Council Enforcement Officers and the police and be supported by Redbridge Council's new Parks Community Engagement Officer, whose role will be to encourage local people to find out more about Redbridge parks and open spaces.
Redbridge has 50 parks and open spaces where visitors can enjoy walks, children's play areas, outdoor gyms and cafes or simply relax within the beautiful natural surroundings.
