Safer Neighbourhoods Update (From Harrow Times)

Safer Neighbourhoods Update

12:27pm Wednesday 16th November 2011 in Blogs By Inspector Russell Hughes

Harrow Safer Neighbourhoods Teams have been working hard to address anti-social behaviour, particularly during Halloween and Fireworks Night. All officers were on patrol duty throughout the evenings, which, combined with a significant amount of prevention work with shops selling flour and eggs, meant that both events passed without significant issue in Harrow.

Some of you in West Harrow may have noticed the results of a recent police/local community operation to clean the alley between Imperial Drive and Alfriston Avenue, following a number of issues raised by local residents. Working with the local residents, PC Adrian Peacock and the team from West Harrow rolled up their sleeves and joined Councillor Marikar to transform the area so that it is no longer a place where individuals are tempted to loiter. The proposed funding of an alley gate by Councillor Marikar will create a crime-free area of which local residents can be proud. So well done to everyone who helped out on the day.

Talking of a hard day’s work, you would have to go some to beat PC Harley Inder from Headstone North Ward who completed a recent Iron man competition in Lanzarote. Completing a 2.4 mile open water swim, a 112 mile bike ride and then a 26 mile run, Harley and two other officers from Harrow police station raised significant sum of money for charity and are already in training for another event next year. So, if you see Harley on his bike around Headstone, please say hello.

Welcome to Sgt Craig Hands to the Safer Neighbourhoods Team at Edgware from our Response Team. An experienced and highly respected officer, Craig’s first task was to tackle the issue of street drinking around Burnt Oak Broadway. Through negotiation, an agreement has been secured by the owner of premises in The Highlands, Burnt Oak Broadway to build a sturdy brick wall around the front of their premises. Previously there was a problem of street drinkers sitting on the slightly raised platform which caused a nuisance to residents and business owners in the area. Craig will monitor the situation and is working closely with Harrow Borough Council and local off licences to tackle problems of street drinking. Just up the road in Canons Ward, Sgt Rob Bolton and PCs Parsons and Rayment from the team arrested a man who was in possession of a extendable baton at a fireworks display. Harrow police take a strong and robust approach to people who carry weapons and at the time of writing, the case is ongoing.

Well done to Sgt Lorraine Warren in Queensbury Ward who recently secured a conviction against a man who was operating three brothels on her Ward. He received a 12 month suspended sentence, a three month tagged curfew and a £54,000 confiscation order. Anti-social activities are often associated with brothels and these closures are good news for local residents. Lorraine is also working hard to address the issue of paan spitting, which is becoming a problem in many wards with pavements stained by the red spit. This is an unusual problem and Lorraine is working hard with local community representatives to educate and advise about possible criminal and health consequences with suitable warning signs being erected soon.

And finally, a teenager was convicted recently for a harassment campaign against Harrow police officers. The 16-year-old from Brent, was convicted following a hate campaign carried out on Facebook in which he posted vicious comments to officers and their families. Sentenced to a Youth Rehabilitation Order, he must comply with a curfew for 6 months and a 2 year supervision order.

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