Project Vigilant Patrols Across Romford And Ilford Sees Reduction In Violence Against Women And Girls.

Well done to East Area police officers who have been actively clamping down on violence against women and girls in Romford and Ilford town centre.

Superintendent Lisa Butterfield, who leads on Neighbourhood Policing in Romford, has spoken about the hard work and commitment officers have put in to tackle this important issue. 

“Project Vigilant patrols use a mix of plain clothed and uniformed officers to patrol busy night-time locations to spot and deter any predatory behaviour. With the increase of these patrols in Romford and Ilford town centres, we have seen a 12.4% reduction in violence against women and girls related offences, compared to the same three-month reporting period last year.

“This tactic is focused on identifying predatory behaviour and preventing offences from taking place in order to protect anyone who is vulnerable, including both women and men. The teams regularly patrol public spaces with the intention of identifying anyone who may be displaying predatory behaviour. They will then alert their uniformed colleagues who will step in and engage with the individual concerned and take any action required. 

“For example, in February officers in Romford town centre recently issued a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) to a high harm offender, which stops him from coming into the town centre for three years. This followed consistent work from the Town Centre Team, a detective from the Met’s Public Protection and the local authority. The offender was displaying predatory behaviour in the town centre, particularly to young teenage girls. Many of the victims did not want to support the investigations for their own reasons. Instead the team worked with the court to get the order in place for three years. 

“We know in recent months Romford and neighbourhoods in east London have seen worrying cases of violence, especially against women and girls. My teams take these crimes and reports with the utmost of seriousness. It is our job to help keep London’s streets safe and to protect people from predatory offenders. We continue to work with local businesses and partners to bring these people to justice.”

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