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Safety Concerns in Romford: Councillors Call for Action

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Concerns about safety in Romford have intensified after a 15-year-old girl was raped in a subway, prompting a councillor to demand more action. Conservative councillor David Taylor has called for a public meeting with the police to discuss the issue, while also asking his fellow councillors to do more to keep their constituents safe. The incident has sparked a wider debate about safety in the area, with councillors highlighting the need for CCTV expansion and improved street safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • A 15-year-old girl was raped in a subway in Romford on June 22, prompting concerns about safety in the area.
  • Councillor David Taylor has called for a public meeting with the police to discuss the issue and for more funding to be allocated for CCTV expansion.
  • The council has committed to improving safety on its streets and is working with the Metropolitan Police to achieve this.
  • According to data from the Met, 81 violent and sexual offences were reported in Romford town centre in April, up from 74 in 2023.
  • Anti-social behaviour has also risen sharply in the same period, with 64 offences reported in April compared to 28 in 2023.
  • Councillor Taylor has calculated that around a third of CCTV cameras in the borough are broken, with 23 out of 72 cameras out of order.
  • The council is sitting on £8.205m in unspent money from developers, including £3.076m that could be allocated to CCTV improvements.
  • The council has spent £750,000 of CIL money on upgrading the CCTV network.

Statistics:

  • 81 violent and sexual offences were reported in Romford town centre in April, up from 74 in 2023.
  • Anti-social behaviour has risen sharply in the same period, with 64 offences reported in April compared to 28 in 2023.
  • 23 out of 72 CCTV cameras in the borough are out of order.
  • The council is sitting on £8.205m in unspent money from developers, including £3.076m that could be allocated to CCTV improvements.
  • The council has spent £750,000 of CIL money on upgrading the CCTV network.

Sources:

  • "LATEST UPDATE: Police 'not seeking to arrest anyone' after girl, 15, 'raped' in Romford underpass." Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
  • "Four people arrested and two women in hospital after fight in Harold Hill." Havering Council.
  • Data from the Metropolitan Police.

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