At the end of October, Ealing Liberal Democrat leader and Southfield ward Councillor Gary Malcolm along with Councillor Andrew Steed attended the local Southfield ward police panel meeting.
Councillor Malcolm writes: “Liberal Democrats both want to help tackle crime but also listen to residents about the crimes they are experiencing.
“This is where about five to ten residents meet with the local police team in Southfield and one or more of the three local Councillors attend. Its aim is to monitor the crime levels and direct the local police team so they can focus on some activities that residents feel important. Having the residents present makes sure that feedback can be given to the police.
“It was great to welcome new PC Dom Thapa to the local team.
“We looked at the recent crime data. Generally, the crime figures looked better than last time and having three members of the ward police team should help reducing crime and gathering intelligence about possible crimes.
“It was noticed that at least two robberies in Southfield Park were they not included.
“We had present, a visitor to the meeting, that of local W4 Youth Founder, Sally Chacatte, who was reporting examples she had seen and heard of, relating to crimes on Southfield Rec. I am a fellow Trustee of W4 Youth who provide sport and other activities to keep teenagers active throughout the year either on Southfield Rec, a local church hall or other locations in Chiswick.
“The main item on the agenda was that the Ward Promises (priorities that the local police team focus their attention on in the next three months) were:
“Southfield Rec Grounds, Wilkinson Way, Vale Gardens to patrol and investigate anti-social behaviour and drug offences. Woodstock Road and Hatfield Road to look out for drugs and anti-social behaviour.
“One thing worth noting is that the local police team often patrol areas of the ward, sometimes in uniform and other times in civilian clothing to both pick up criminal behaviour or deter any criminals thinking of committing a crime!
“The Liberal Democrats have been running a crime survey to gain feedback from residents across the whole of Ealing about what people think about the police, their area and where they think action is needed from both the police and the Council.
“So far nearly 400 people have filled in the survey but please do give us your views using the link here.”
