This afternoon, my team and I caught up with our Borough Police Commander, Stephen Clayman, to talk about law and order in the constituency.

We talked about enforcement of coronavirus restrictions to reduce high community transmission rates; efforts to tackle domestic violence; the testing and vaccination of officers; vaccine fraud; burglary and cross-border operations; the safety of retail workers in essential shops and more. 

On drug enforcement, the figures are positive as the push continues to charge more people with drug supplying. There continue to be challenges around cannabis factories and related gang violence. Specialist crime units across London have been working with the National Crime Agency to break some of the communications systems between criminals to make progress on disrupting gang activity. 

There has been a substantial reduction in burglaries and the cross-border operation with Essex Police is going well. 

On officer numbers, they have now launched new pathways into the Met with the first group of apprentices arriving  on Monday. There is also the new degree-holder detective pathway. In April, the police constable version of degree-entry will be launched and we anticipate a growth in neighbourhood policing teams later this year. 

We hope to have Stephen present to residents about joining the police at our Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair on 12 February. If any resident has concerns about crime, do drop us a line and we can take those concerns up with Stephen and his team.