Safer Communities Surgery unit
A new Safer Communities Surgery unit has launched in Tower Hamlets, making it easier than ever for residents to report crime and anti-social behavior (ASB).
The unit, which was launched on Monday 25 July, will act as a base for patrolling officers from both local police and Tower Hamlets Council, including Tower Hamlets Enforcement Officers (THEOs).
The mobile space will provide an easily identifiable and accessible place for residents to meet officers, report issues and access information and advice. The vehicle can be driven to different locations across the borough so the whole community can access this support.
Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman said:
“We want to make Tower Hamlets a great place to live, visit and work. Tackling ASB is a priority of ours and we will be working hard with you to stamp it out.
“This new unit is a great way for us to engage with our communities and hear what matters to them. Please do talk to the officers when you see the unit out and about – any local information you can provide can help us prevent ASB in our borough.”
Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Maium Talukdar, said:
“I feel privileged to have been at the launch of our Safer Communities Surgery unit this week. This is another great example of partnership work between the police and council to help make Tower Hamlets a safer borough.
“Any residents who have any concerns around community safety can now speak to an officer in the mobile unit to get advice and find out what we’re doing to tackle crime and ASB. I’d encourage everyone to keep an eye out for the unit and speak to the team to find out more.”
Cllr Ohid Ahmed, Lead Member for Safer Communities, said:
“We want to make sure all of our residents have the opportunity to speak to someone if they have any community safety concerns. Whether people need to report a crime or simply want to find out more about how we’re working in partnership to tackle ASB, our new Safer Communities Surgery unit provides a safe space for everyone in our borough.
“We know that crime and ASB continue to be a concern for our community. I hope our mobile unit will provide some reassurance for our residents, with more opportunities for people to speak to an officer whenever they need, and at a time and location that’s convenient for them.”
Inside the vehicle, there is plenty of space where people can meet with police officers to have a chat and refreshments, or have a conversation in private.
The Safer Communities Surgery unit is the latest in a series of improvements that have been made to Tower Hamlets’ Safer Neighborhood Operations team over the last few months to help tackle crime and ASB in the borough.
Earlier in July, the council launched its fully mobile CCTV van, a state-of-the-art vehicle that has several high definition, 360-degree view cameras that allow images to be shared with the police.
Andy Port, Neighborhood Superintendent for Tower Hamlets at the Met Police, said:
“The Police and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets work extremely hard to tackle the crime and anti-social behavior that matters so much to our communities. This significant investment is one of a number of brilliant examples of our joint commitment to keeping our communities safe.”
The Safer Communities Surgery unit launched following Anti-social Behavior Awareness Week (18 – 24 July), where the council worked in partnership with the police to deliver additional patrols and weapon sweeps in each of the borough’s wards.
To report anti-social behaviour, visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/asb
To report a crime, visit www.met.police.uk
Posted on Friday 5th August 2022