Crime falling – despite London riots
Thursday October 13, 2011
Crime is falling again in Hammersmith & Fulham despite the August riots that affected several parts of the capital.
There were 11,740 crimes committed across the borough in the six months to September 30 – which is 4 per cent down on the previous year.
If the decrease is maintained for the rest of the year it would be one of the best crime performances locally since records began.
The impressive decrease was achieved despite the fact that large parts of London were affected by violent disorder and looting in August – although proactive work by the local Police and council saw Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) emerge largely unscathed.
Early indications from the Metropolitan Police’s latest figures show ‘serious youth violence’ tumbling by 4.5% locally – bucking and increase of 9.8% across the capital. Commercial robbery almost halved (down 46.9%) – compared in a London-wide jump of 4.9% over the six months. ‘Total robbery’ was down 4.8% in H&F and residential burglary fell by 9.5%.
Police Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Lucy D’Orsi has praised the hard work of her officers as well as the council’s funding for extra town centre patrols.
Ch Sup D’Orsi said: “Despite the challenges of August's disorder across London the latest crime figures for the borough remain encouraging. My team has tactically changed the way we deal with those who commit burglary and robbery and we have been rewarded with reductions in the number of victims.
“Higher levels of covert and overt patrols around Shepherds Bush Green has resulted in a reduction in violence. We have also introduced enhanced patrols to tackle those individuals intent on targeting young people on their way to and from school. It is my intention that we can reassure young people so that they feel safe.”
H&F Council is spending £1.3million a year for three enhanced town centre squads of beat bobbies with local firms adding an extra £350,000 a year. The additional cash means the borough has 44 more Police officers than it would do otherwise.
Cllr Greg Smith, H&F Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, says, “Our no nonsense approach is reaping dividends. Getting more warranted officers on to our town centre streets has been the centrepiece of the council’s successful crime fighting approach. Combined with strong and determined zero-tolerance style policing the results speak for themselves.
“The council is continuing to do its bit by finding the cash to pay for extra beat bobbies and we expect the local Police to keep the pressure up on the criminal minority so these impressive results continue.”
Read more at www.lbhf.gov.uk/crime.
