Crime falling says borough commander
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
11/08/2008
Crime is falling but there is still much work to do was the message from new borough commander, Detective Chief Superintendent Kevin Hurley at a special meeting to discuss the findings of a task force set up to improve the safety and security of young people in the borough.
Over 40 residents, including concerned mothers, teenagers and community workers attended the meeting at the Emerald Centre, Beadon Road. They heard at first hand how the council is working closely with the police and the wider community to cut youth crime.
The Youth Task Force, chaired by Sir William Atkinson, head teacher of Phoenix High School was set up after the brutal murder of Kodjo Yenga in Hammersmith Grove last year.
It reported that, ‘youth violence and gangs are a significant problem but are confined to a small number of young people.’ It made several recommendations, including better enforcement, intelligence, prevention and engagement with young people.
Speaking at the meeting, Detective Chief Superintendent Hurley said: “There is a significant downwards trend in violence in the borough but there is absolutely no reason to be complacent.”
He pointed to a 16 per cent reduction in knife crime during the last 12 months, a 25 per cent fall in serious violent crime and a massive 73 per cent drop in gun crime. He said that the police have now increased their presence on the streets and have created a special squad to target known trouble makers.
Several members of the public had their say during the evening. Tony Newman of Right Response discussed the work his organisation does to attract hard-to-reach-youngsters through personal skills training. Junior Sterling raised the impact that clothing, rap music and computer games on teenagers.
Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for crime and anti-social behaviour also spoke. He said: “There are still too many incidents of knife crime in Hammersmith & Fulham but we are much safer than many other London boroughs. There is still a long way to go to eradicate knife and gun crime.
"The question is how do we ensure that young people do not get onto the conveyor belt of crime? The answer starts in the home and it is vital that young boys have male role models. Cutting crime is one of the council’s key priorities and we are working to ensure that every child has access to the best possible opportunities in life. We aim to provide parents and children with an excellent array of schools to attend and a step on the ladder for affordable home ownership.”
Five youths have now been jailed for their part in the murder of Kodjo Yenga. Brandon Richmond, aged 14 and Tirrell Davis, 17 were both convicted of murder and sentenced to 15 years. Kurtis Yemoh, 17, Jamel Bridgeman and Michel Williams, both 15, were given ten years for manslaughter with five years on extended license for their part in the crime.
Since the murder, the council and police have been sharing information on known troublemakers through the police’s Risk Assessment Management Process (RAMP).
A £150,000 grant has also recently been awarded to the council as it ups the ante in the battle against youth crime and gangs. The money will be used to fund a brand new youth worker who will start a pilot project on a completely new way of engaging with young people involved in gangs. The project, known as the Street Outreach Service (SOS) will identify young people involved in gangs and develop effective working relationships with them and their communities. The money has been awarded by the John Lyon’s Charity, a charity that exists to enhance life conditions and improve life chances of young people through education.
