More Bobbies, more arrests, safer streets
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
27/01/2009
Hammersmith town centre is set to get a beat Bobby boost as the council looks ready to up the ante in the battle against crime.
Following intelligence based Police advice, H&F Council is set to agree an extra £1.1million for extra Bobbies on town centre streets when crime is most likely to occur.
If agreed at a budget council meeting on February 25, more beat officers will start patrolling the streets around Hammersmith Broadway from April 2009. The move means the borough will have fifty more Bobbies than it would do without funding from the council and local businesses.
The proposal comes as figures from the two town centres, which have already benefited from extra beat cops, show crime tumbling. Businesses, like Westfield London and organisations like the Fulham NDC, helped the council to fund to two pilot schemes in Fulham and Shepherds Bush.
In the 18 months up to November 2008, 975 arrests were made by local beat Bobbies in Fulham and Shepherds Bush town centres leading to 216 fewer victims of crime and more drug pushers and weapons off the streets.
In Fulham ward priorities like domestic burglary and violence against the person are down 29 and 9 per cent respectively. In Shepherds Bush 123 more drug crimes have been detected, with robbery down 69 per cent and thefts from vehicles down 47 per cent.
And the affect has not simply been measured in the number of arrests made. Public confidence has been carefully monitored to reveal that feelings of satisfaction with the police have increased, with over two-thirds of people believing that police are doing a good job in Fulham.
Councillor Greg Smith, H&F Council Cabinet Member for Crime & Anti-Social Behaviour, said: “Drug dealers, muggers, thieves and other dangerous criminals are now behind bars thanks to our enhanced beat policing squads in Fulham and Shepherds Bush. We are now planning to replicate this success in Hammersmith town centre as well.”
The good news in the battle against crime has also been matched with significant rises in residents’ satisfaction. In a recent survey, 12 per cent more respondents (64%) in Shepherds Bush Green and 6 per cent more in Fulham Broadway (67%) now believe the Police are doing a good job.
“Residents are positive in praising our groundbreaking backing for more beat Bobbies,” continues Cllr Smith. “Together with the Metropolitan Police we have examined the data and the two trials are now evolving into three, with a sharper focus on peak times when we know crime is more likely.”
The beat Bobbies will work around the clock in Shepherds Bush and in Fulham and Hammersmith, as well as working during the day, will focus on key night time flashpoints – typically when pubs, clubs and other venues shut.
H&F Police Borough Commander, Detective Chief Superintendent Kevin Hurley, said: “These dedicated beat teams are really making a difference. Drug dealers are being forced out, robbery and burglary figures have dropped and anti-social drunks and yobs have been chased out.”
The third annual H&F Crime Summit will take place at Hammersmith Town Hall on Saturday February 28 from 9.30am to 2pm and is your chance to tell the authorities what you think about crime in your area.
The theme for this year’s summit is 'enviro-crime' and the council’s estate wardens, street scene and street cleansing officers, together with the police and members of the Parks Constabulary will be on hand to discuss this important topic.
In addition, there will be short presentations from senior police officers, including borough commander, Detective Chief Superintendent Kevin Hurley.
If you would like to book a place or want more information please email crime.summit@lbhf.gov.uk and provide your name and contact details. Alternatively, call 020 8753 2816.
