New police inspector for Hammersmith promises crack down on crime


Inspector Tony Hirst will tackle anti-social behaviour, drug offences and robbery

The new inspector for the Hammersmith Broadway Safer Neighbourhood Team has promised that an increase in police numbers will mean officers spend more time patrolling the streets, including in the evenings and at weekends.

 

He has also prioritised cracking down on anti-social behaviour, drugs offences and reducing crime overall, with particular focus on burglary, robbery and theft from cars.

 

Inspector Tony Hirst said: "I have recently assumed responsibility for the Hammersmith Broadway Safer Neighbourhood Team and am very much looking forward to the challenge of this role. I have worked on the Borough for over three years and am therefore familiar with the ward and some

of the challenges posed by policing it."

 

Inspector Hirst's appointment coincides with an increase in numbers for the Safer Neighbourhood Team.

 

* PS Winnard and the Hammersmith Safer Neighbourhood team will remain in place and are having an additional constable posted to their team.

* This team will be joined by a further two teams of one Sergeant, three Constables and two Community Support Officers

* A new transport HUB team for the Broadway Centre consisting of one Sergeant, one Constable and seven Community Support Officers will also be posted to Hammersmith.

 

Inspector Hirst said: "This significant increase in numbers will bring numerous benefits. The teams will work shifts and will be able to patrol over a much greater time period including evenings and weekends.

 

"This increased coverage will make it easier for you to contact the team if you need them. The additional officers will allow us to give more detailed attention to your ward priorities, increase our ability to tackle problems or issues as they arise and to conduct pro – active policing operations.

 

"We have achieved consistent and significant reductions in all crime types over the last few years: an example is a 50 per cent reduction in robbery offences. During the same period our surveys tell us that public confidence in police and satisfaction with local policing has fallen.

 

"I am concerned by this and a little confused. I wonder whether they conduct the surveys in the visitor’s reception at HMP Wormwood Scrubs! On a serious note, any feedback or suggestions regarding public confidence would be gratefully received. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the coming months."


May 27, 2009