Safer Neighbourhood Team suffers from GLA police cuts

Without a doubt one of the best things that happened in the Fryent area in recent years was the introduction of the Safer Neighbourhood Team of police and PCSOs. The regular SNT panel meetings of residents, councillors and police  receives a regular update on their patrols and what is being done to tackle crime and other anti-social incidents in every part of the ward. As a result of the visibility and activities of the Sergeant-led Team, crime and people's perception of crime has dropped considerably.

Sadly, with the 20% cuts in police budgets and numbers (1,700) across London, this marvellous service is under severe strain. Brent, which according to the Met's own formula, should have 658 officers, now only has 641, (a shortfall of 17 PC's) It is even worse with PCSOs, of which Brent should have 75 but is  and 40 understrength. Unsurprisingly, crime of all kinds - burglary, theft, violence and anti-social behaviour - is rising again. There is a dramatic fall in the number of police available to handle 999 calls.

In Fryent, this run-down is now evident as PCs and PCSOs leaving/getting promoted are not being replaced. Along with the chair of the SNT, Suresh Mamora, we are taking the matter up with our
police inspectors and if necessary, the Borough Commander. We hope that residents will add their voice to our representations. We simply cannot afford to lose this vital frontline service.

We raised this matter also with Shadow Home Secretary Evette Cooper MP when she visited Brent.