On Friday November 28 we unveiled our Christmas tree outside South Harrow police station as part of the Commissioners Christmas Tree Campaign. The tree is there for anyone wanting to donate a gift to children in care within our borough. I welcome everyone to help support this campaign to ensure that cared for children in Harrow are given a present this Christmas.  Presents are welcomed for children aged three and above.

Your Police, Your Say - MOPAC Roadshow – December 3

The Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and the Metropolitan Police Service are visiting Harrow to talk about the progress made against the police and crime plan and hear local peoples' views on policing in the capital.

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Stephen Greenhalgh, Assistant Commissioner Helen King and I will be at Harrow Civic Centre on Station Road. Doors open at 6pm, the event starts at 6.30pm. 

Progress has been made over the last year with crime in London now falling faster than the rest of the country - down by six per cent in 2013/14. However, challenges remain and it is right not only to showcase local success stories but to continue the conversation with Londoners where further changes need to be made. 

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse affects people from all walks of life and in many different ways. We know that domestic abuse can affect men and women, as well as those in same-sex relationships. If you are suffering from physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse or are being threatened or intimidated in your home or elsewhere by a current or previous partner or adult family member, you are a victim of domestic abuse. You are not alone, we can help. You may additionally wish to seek support or advice from our partners who specialise in domestic abuse.

What can we do to help?

Within the Metropolitan Police domestic abuse is investigated by specially trained officers in community safety units. These officers are committed to preventing and bringing to justice perpetrators of domestic abuse which affects one in four women. We will deal with you without prejudice and in confidence. We take domestic violence very seriously and will deal positively and promptly with any incident we attend. We aim to contact you within 24 hours of receiving your report and we can help define what the best course of action is for you.

Our first priority is to protect you and any children you have. If the situation is an emergency an officer will attend and if possible arrest the perpetrator and take action to protect you from further abuse. Alternatively you can attend any police station in person, ask a friend or relative to do so, on your behalf or call the non-emergency number which is 101. If you require an interpreter one will be made available initially by phone and later in person.

In many cases victims of domestic abuse may require temporary or longer-term housing alternatives, it may be that you require an injunction to prevent the perpetrator approaching you or perhaps need counselling or support. We work alongside highly trained non-police advisors who can assist with aftercare for you and your family. Additionally if you need to attend court for any reason there are support services available so that you do not feel overwhelmed or alienated by the legal process.

Remember, in an emergency dial 999

Good work by my officers……

On Wednesday November 26 officers from the crime squad arrested a 19-year-old man from Harrow, for possession of crack cocaine with a street value of approx £3,500. All the drugs were wrapped in bags ready to be supplied. He was remanded in custody to attend Hendon Magistrates’ Court.  Excellent work by my officers ensuring a drug dealer is taken off our streets.