Police Officers Desperately Tackle Crime Across Havering-But Just Whose Fault Is It That Our Streets Are Not As Safe As They Should Be?

As residents of Havering and still part of London, be it happily or unhappily which ever way your beliefs are-we are told that London and Havering are safe.But even as I write this, I can see most readers shake their heads in utter frustration and sadness at the way our streets are now.

Yes, compared to many other London boroughs we are safe, yet why do many of us not feel safe then? And to those who do believe we are safe-what about the endless list of mothers and fathers who have lost their children to knife crime on the streets of London? What say you?

Here in Havering there are two mothers and families who have lost their child to knife crime. They have no words in response to the London is safe narrative, neither do the families of women who have lost their life on our street. Women frequently do not feel safe. They are accustomed to stupid remarks making them feel uncomfortable, walking holding keys in their hand or continually walking home looking over their shoulder.

But who do we point the finger at for the way our streets are right now?

Please go on a walkabout with your local policing team and see the incredible level of hard work these officers put in. See how they really are desperately tackling violence against women, shoplifting, anti social behaviour and all aspects of crime. Most officers have families and also fear for their children, partners, and sisters with the way our streets have become. Most go above and beyond to do what they can to keep tracking down those who cause harm in our communities. But numbers are low and stretched and sadly crime grows.

Officer numbers we all know were decimated, and brutally done at that, with the individual in question telling officers they were crying wolf. Now these officers have been justified and what they predicted is happening. The queues of calls waiting to be answered remains as long as the Wimbledon queues. Officers spend their shifts answering call to call and do not know the meaning of a lunch break. Yet we are told London is safe. It may well be for those who are driven around, but for those who walk the streets to get to work at all hours, the reality is different. Our streets are dirty, our tubes are dirty, and those who should care do not.

Havering compared to other boroughs, does not have the same level of crime. Not that that is any consolation to Havering residents. But we can see it is increasing as the Elizabeth line makes Romford easily accessible. There are in many parts fantastic community spirits, be it across Havering and London and it is time these people’s voices are heard, people who genuinely love their area and want was is best for it. It is also time we support police in their battle against crime and join in ward panel meetings and report as many incidents as possible.

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