www.actongreen.org.uk

ACTON SECTOR (POLICE) WORKING GROUP

REPORT OF A MEETING ON JANUARY 21, 2004

The meeting was well attended by the Police, but only about 10 residents were present

Inspector Newberry’s report

1. Street drinking. Acton Area Committee had agreed to request controlled drinking areas in the High Street and Acton Park
2. Street crime. Recently, youths on cycles have been following individuals, particularly outside tube stations, and snatching bags and mobile phones. BE AWARE and do not use phones in the street. Women are urged to carry handbags firmly and away from the road, and to carry only what they need, not a lot of cash and credit cards
3. Burglary. This had increased recently. Bogus callers, including some purporting to be police officers, Water Company officials etc, were preying on vulnerable people. NEVER let strangers in unless you are certain of their identity
4. Vehicle crime; there had been a cluster in W4. Do not leave anything in your cars.

The need for administrative support for the Police, to free officers to be out on the streets, was stressed. Members questioned if Ealing had its full complement of officers; not yet.

Ward policing was likely to be introduced as new Met. policy. Antisocial behaviour was a top priority. Success in South Acton Estate had moved crime outside – hence our vulnerability.

Our Home-beat officer has offered to give talks on safety in the streets etc. Let me know if you are interested.

A member of the Acton Ranger team was present; I have his address if anyone wants it.

If we have any complaints about noise from Licensed premises, we should notify the Police.

A Home Office consultative document, Building Safer Communities, was discussed.

The meeting heard about the Stop the Tram campaign.

Liz Dendy, 22.01.04