HOMEOWNERS fearful of a “crime epidemic” received a boost after more than a million pounds was dedicated to making communities safer.

At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, February 6, Cllr Jas Athwal, Labour leader of Redbridge Council, gave the green light to spending an extra £1.5 million pounds on anti-crime measures.

As a result, the council’s enforcement team will increase in size and lighting and CCTV across the borough will be enhanced.

Cllr Athwal said: “We are taking the current crime epidemic very seriously, working with police colleagues to protect residents and their property.

“The council is working on a range of measures including improved lighting, CCTV and increasing our enforcement presence on the street. In addition, I have requested more police resources from the police commissioner, deputy mayor for policing and the home secretary.

"Since the public meeting held in Clayhall ward on Sunday, February 4, Redbridge enforcement officers have been patrolling the burglary hotspots and will continue to do so and all street lights are being improved to give the maximum light possible.

“We will continue to lobby the government and the mayor for more resources and in the meantime, we will be increasing our enforcement team from 21 to 30 in our fight against this crime that is blighting the lives of our residents."

The move follows a letter sent by the council leader to the Home Secretary urging her to reverse police cuts enforced since 2010.