HOUSEHOLDS have been warned to review security after community police teams were taken off the beat to bolster Olympic security.
Concern that crime will rise were sparked when it emerged safer neighbourhood teams (SNT) were removed from normal duties and stationed outside the area.
Police have refused to reveal where officers have been moved to and why, although it is believed they are carrying out preparations for the games.
Chingford Green SNT officer, PC Darren Brand, wrote to residents last week to warn of potential problems.
He said: "Myself and other officers continue to be taken from our normal duties and posted elsewhere on a daily basis.
"Please be aware that a potential police response to any incident may be delayed or effected [sic].
"It is more important than ever that you review your own security and make sure that your own house is in order.
"Please do all that you can to make sure that you are not the next victim."
Neighbourhood Watch groups have expressed dismay at the move, with members in Valley ward writing to mayor Boris Johnson to complain.
They fear as a result the most common crime in Chingford, burglary, will rise sharply.
Valley ward and Hale End and Highams Park ward had 52 reported burglaries between May and April.
Drysdale Neighbourhood Watch member Roy Barrett, 75, said officers should remain based where they can serve the community effectively.
He added: "It seems ridiculous. They shouldn't have taken anyone away.
"Burglary and vandalism will shoot up without police being on the street."
Mother-of-two Michelle Mina, 32, of Hazel Way in Chingford, said: "We're left high and dry in Chingford.
"We will miss the SNT because they know the area so well. It makes no sense whatsoever."
A police spokeswoman said: "Our new proposed local policing model will increase the number of front line police officers and achieve increased visibility in neighbourhoods by putting significantly more uniformed officers where the public want to see them, produce greater pace, flexibility and momentum in how we operate, and improve services for victims of crime."
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