MEMBERS of the public are being urged to be more vigilant in one of the borough's busiest shopping areas, after a reported increase in robberies and antisocial behaviour.

Redbridge Police said there has been an increase in the number of calls from residents and businesses about incidents in the area of Ilford town centre, between Ilford railway station and Chapel Road.

Police have already increased patrols in the area and this has resulted in two arrests for theft, while a number of street beggars have also been dealt with.

Officers are urging the public to be more vigilant over the security of handbags and shopping bags while in public while out shopping or waiting at bus stops in the area.