25 September 2018 Recently,
residents have become increasingly concerned about crime, particularly
crime by youths (and on youths). Marion Barclay arranged two public
meetings at Loughton Club, ably chaired by Independent Cllr Stephen
Murray, which were very well-attended by residents and by LRA Cllrs,
and where residents could raise specific issues and the police could
explain what they were doing.
Among the many issues raised were:
the anti-social behaviour of a group of teenagers coming from outside
the borough and congregating in and around Loughton Station and Debden
Broadway; a lack of visible Police presence; the closure of Loughton
police station, no British Transport Police (BTP) presence at Loughton
and Debden Stations, youngsters fare-dodging and the lack of street
lights.
In response CI Basford and BTP have increased uniformed
and plain-clothes patrols in Loughton (of course, we can’t tell that
plainclothes teams are around, any more than the troublemakers can). We
do however know that there have been arrests in Loughton. Also the
police have been present at Loughton & Debden Tube Stations
checking for knives.
Epping Forest Neighbourhood Watch do a
great job of reporting what’s going on. Join them, or help set up a NW
group in your road if there isn’t one already).
We exchange information with them constantly.
Although
our police station‘s public desk is closed (it wasn’t used much
anyway), the station is the base for the local Community team, and
several other police teams.
Our District Commander, Lewis
Basford, has emphasised the importance of every resident reporting each
and every crime, even if you think the police will not be able to act.
The number of police officers we have locally depends largely on the
number of crime reports that come in. Also, if you’re not happy with
the service you get, please complain.
LRA Cllr Chris Pond has
asked the police for statistics of crimes committed during 1- 5am when
the lights are off but hasn’t yet received them. CI Basford has said
that there’s no known research that shows that crime increases when
streetlights are switched off overnight. Street lights: LRA Cllr
Chris Pond fought the Conservative County Council’s switch-off plan
from the start, and gained improvements for Loughton to cover Tube
running hours.
When should you use 999?
Only
when there is a direct and immediate threat to life or property or if a
crime is in progress. Or there’s been a road traffic collision and
someone is hurt and/or a danger is being caused to other road users.
Alternatives
For
routine enquiries. or to report crimes or incidents which are over,
ring 101 or - on your computer or phone - go to www.essex.police.uk;
under Do it online choose what it’s about (this frees up the call-taker
to deal with other calls and reduces other callers’ waiting times). For British Transport Police: incidents on or near stations and on public transport, call 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016.
