www.actongreen.org.uk

EALING COMMUNITY AND POLICE CONSULTATIVE GROUP

REPORT OF A MEETING, JULY 17, 2003

The substantial part of the meeting was a report from Martin Bridger, Borough Police Chief. He was impressive, determined, open, honest, prepared to admit inadequacies and has aged noticeably!

Main topics covered:

1.            Priority crimes for Ealing are Street robbery (27%down in first 3 months of this year from April), Burglary (18% down), Vehicle crime (7% down). Meeting targets, but not complacent

2.            Burglary includes houses, sheds, garages, business premises. Vital to lock sheds and garages and not leave ladders etc. outside. Many burglars use garden implements!

3.            Use of CCTV not satisfactory; being reviewed.

4.            Acton Police station will now close for major redevelopment in October. 24 hour reporting facilities will be retained; Officers will move to the Town Hall

5.            Unlicensed cab drivers a focus; often have criminal links

6.            Licensed premises; from March 2005, the Council will take over licensing

7.            Permanent Beat Officers will be retained and not removed for other work so frequently. Recruiting is taking place. (I spoke to Insp.Ben Honey who is in charge of them; there is a candidate interested in our beat)

8.            Neighbourhood Watch being reviewed; Action Plan to be introduced at the AGM on November 25. Current problems recognised! A quarterly Newsletter is promised, with article from MB suggested

9.            Beesafe; public asked to use it.

10.        Communications very poor. Officer now in post. MB will produce monthly article in local Press. I suggested putting it on web.

11.        Telephone system weakness recognised. The Met. is developing new, modern system, which should improve situation

12.        Ringmaster. I asked about this as a communication tool. MB had not heard of it, nor had most of the meeting! Insp. Honey said it had been considered too expensive, but would be re-considered after NW Review completed.

13.        Met. Police Authority relationship was “appalling”! MPA gave poor service to boroughs, did not provide money for wages etc.

There was less cynicism and more optimism in the audience! We are establishing closer contacts with the Police and this should be helpful. They recognise that we want to work with them. Compared to the problems in other parts of Ealing, we are fortunate!

The public are invited to these meetings and they are interesting. The next one is on September 25. If anyone would like to go, I have the details. 

Liz Dendy, July 2003