A SAFER Neighbourhood Team is operating with a staff shortage.

The Wanstead ward team based in Wanstead police station in Spratt Hall Road is missing a Police Community Support Officer. 

The team is made up of two Police Constables and two PCSOs.

The Snaresbrook Safer Neighbourhood Team has two PCs and three PCSOs.

Speaking at the Area One Committee meeting in Wanstead Church School on Monday, Sergeant Ian Watts said: "I don't know if I will be getting an extra PCSO in the next few months.

"There are other wards that don't have as many officers as us, so I am quite fortunate."