Meeting held in Emerson Park to tackle increase in car theft and burglary.

A meeting was held in Emerson Park on Monday November 21 to address resident’s concerns regarding car thefts and burglary. The meeting was organised by Squirrels Heath ward Councillor and Havering and Redbridge GLA Member Keith Prince and included Havering’s Leader of the Council, Councillor Ray Morgon, Neighbourhoods Police Inspector Zed Asghar and Sergeant Ben Tanner, alongside local ward councillors.

The meeting saw a packed house as residents came to address their recent concerns about car thefts and burglaries in the area. Many residents expressed their worries about their vehicles and safety of their homes particularly in the run up to Christmas.

Councillor Keith Prince told the Havering Daily: “The meeting went very well and the high number of people that attended clearly demonstrated residents concerns. It was good to get people together to air their concerns and to be able to generally reassure them that the police are out there working daily.

“When the Mayor first came into office, he cut police numbers and made changes to tactics which I personally warned him would not work well and have consequences. Sadly he did not take any notice of my advice and now we can see the impacts it has had on our streets.

“He was gracious enough to provide me with a statement for residents at the meeting which I read out at the start.”

Havering’s Leader of the Council Councillor Ray Morgon told the Havering Daily: “Crime and dsiorder is a police matter and their funding comes from the Mayor of London. We as a council are happy to work alongside our local police officers but unfortunately we have seen cuts in their numbers over the recent years.

“You can only cut so far and then you are down to the bare bones which is where we are at now. Lots of public services have been cut back and we are seeing issues like these right across the country.

We understand residents concerns about feeling safe and are working with the police closely. i have regular meetings with the BCU Commander Mr Bell and I know they are working hard on our streets.”