Hackney,
07
December
2021
|
12:08
Europe/London

Additional police officers join Town Centre Team to ensure that Londoners are safe in Shoreditch

On Monday 6 December, the new team members of the Shoreditch Town Centre Police Team (TCT) were officially unveiled at a launch event in Hoxton, where they met with neighbourhoods Superintendent, Andy Port, to discuss how they will be working to solve local problems and tackle crime in the Shoreditch area.

In October, the Met announced that London would be getting an additional 650 police officers who will work solely in busy public places and other areas, including those where women and girls often feel unsafe. Five hundred officers will form town centre teams across the capital, and 25 of those - one inspector, three sergeants and 21 constables - have joined the Central East BCU, which polices Hackney and Tower Hamlets.

The team members were joined by Commissioner Cressida Dick and Commander Paul Brogden, MPS lead for Frontline policing, on patrol in the area. Also in attendance were Hackney Councillor Susan Fajana-Thomas, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, and Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville, who both spoke at the event.

Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas, Cabinet Member for Community Safety
It’s great that additional police officers will be permanently based in Shoreditch. We welcome the additional resources which will help tackle anti-social behaviour and crime within the Shoreditch Night Time Economy (NTE) and improve feelings of public safety. These resources will contribute towards problem solving in the Shoreditch area both day and night. It also offers reassurance to residents that the Council is working with the police to resolve issues in Shoreditch relating to the NTE.
Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas, Cabinet Member for Community Safety
Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville
We have asked for and supported getting this new police team for Shoreditch, it will help us work together as a partnership to tackle anti-social behaviour related to the NTE and to make our streets safer for our residents, businesses and visitors alike. Local councillors have been working on the underlying issues for sometime and this will allow us all to respond better. The new 25-strong dedicated town centre team shows that Hackney is serious about tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, stops us having to stretch our other resources to support Shoreditch and will help ensure that everyone feels safe when they're enjoying our flourishing bars, clubs and restaurants or out and about in public spaces.
Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville

Detective Chief Superintendent Barnett, BCU Commander for Central East said: “I know that the launch of the TCT across many parts of London will be seen as a welcome introduction to the policing response we deliver to our communities – and they come as a direct result of the Met’s uplift and the Commissioners direction and ongoing support to local policing.

“By having a dedicated team such as this, in and around the Shoreditch area of Hackney, we’ll be able to provide a greater level of focus and reassurance to those that live in and visit the area. In particular the new TCT, will work in the night time economy, alongside our partners in the Hackney Local Authority, who are very supportive of this team and also remain absolutely committed to ensuring public and community safety.

“The work of the TCT, will also complement the work we are doing to address some of the immediate Shoreditch displacement and anti-social behaviour problems experienced by the community in Tower Hamlets.”

As the Christmas holiday approaches, large numbers of people are expected to come into the Hackney and Tower Hamlets areas, to shop for presents or enjoy the numerous bars and restaurants.

Detective Chief Superintendent Barnett added: “Criminals will often take this opportunity to target people in crowded spaces, when they are distracted and carrying a lot of shopping. The festive season can also, sadly, attract anti-social behaviour through drunkenness. This can lead to inappropriate behaviour towards other party goers. This will not be tolerated.

“The officers, who have today joined my BCU will play a vital role in local policing by preventing and detecting crime. I would urge anyone who sees them whilst they are out patrolling to speak with them if they have any concerns. These officers are here for you, so please engage with them.”