As a former police officer, I have seen first-hand the challenges facing our hard working safer neighbourhood police teams (SNT) here in Redbridge.
As an active councillor, I have heard the growing concerns of my residents in Clayhall and across Redbridge about the on-going spate of burglaries and anti-social behaviour in the area.
The relentless and resilient work of the Metropolitan Police is being undermined by cuts to their resources and shameful manipulation by the Mayor of London about policing numbers. Figures released to the Greater London Assembly last week reveal that police numbers across London are now at their lowest levels since 2010. It is imperative we see a visible return to community police officers and for the Mayor of London to honour his election pledges on police numbers.
As a dedicated councillor I am working, promoting and supporting my residents to establish neighbourhood watch schemes to deter burglars and make Redbridge a safer community to live in.
Cllr Gurdial Bhamra, member for Clayhall, Redbridge council
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