Chief Superintendent Kevin Hurley writes to residents
"As we come to the end of what has been, for some, a difficult year, I thought it might be appropriate to let you know what has been happening across the borough with regards to crime and policing.
"There are two things that I think might be of interest to you: The first is visibility and seeing more officers on the beat on foot patrol. Many of you will know that thanks to money provided by the local council we have been able to deploy another sixty Police and Community Support Officers in the three town centres of Shepherd's Bush, Hammersmith and Fulham Broadway.
"This has had a real effect for local people. Not only are they seeing more of us on the street, but those crimes that worry so many, such as robbery, theft and anti-social behaviour, are down. Also, these extra officers are having an impact on drug misuse in the town centres with arrests increasing.
"This push of reassuring the public has been enhanced by more officers patrolling
independently and increasing our ground coverage. Of importance has been the work
of our 999 response officers who are continuing to come to the assistance of the
public quickly and deal with urgent matters.
"Across the borough, our safer neighbourhoods teams have been very active, working in
conjunction with our robbery, burglary, drug squads and support staff. We have
continued to see year-on-year reductions in burglary and street robbery. In fact, on
some days we do not have a single robbery anywhere in the borough!
"As for burglary, the results have been exceptional. Even though we have seen a seven year trend of reducing burglary, so far this year it is down nearly a further 25%; that's 308 fewer houses broken into in your borough. When one considers that the rest of London is experiencing an increase, this means that Hammersmith and Fulham Borough really is becoming a safer place to be.
"Whilst there are many hundreds fewer victims this year, none of us can be complacent. For anyone to be a victim of crime or anti-social behaviour is unacceptable. Together with our partners in the community and council we will continue to strive to make you all safer.
"I am proud of what my team does working with and for you. You can be confident that we will continue to do our best for you.
"I take this opportunity to offer you the Season's Greetings and best wishes for the
New Year."
23 December 2009