Burglary rates on the up in parts of Redbridge, but overall crime down figures show

During the last six months a total of 11,460 offences were recorded, down from 12,397 in the same period last year.

Burglary remains a police priority with 1,473 cases reported from January to May this year alone.

Det Insp Neil Lemon: “Although it is disappointing that there has been a rise in the number of burglaries in some wards, it is encouraging that other areas have shown a reduction.”

In Redbridge, burglary has decreased by two per cent compared to the same period last year.

Mr Lemon said: “A considerable amount of policing activity has been undertaken within the Woodford wards in an attempt to drive down residential burglary which has included both overt and covert operational tactics.”

In the borough there were fewer crimes in the 12 months to April 2012, 20,690, compared to the same period the previous year of 24,027.

The highest crime rates in the borough are consistently reported in Clementswood ward followed by Loxford ward.

Cllr Muhammed Javed, of Clementswood ward, said: “People don’t feel safe in their own homes. All of us as members of society need to have our eyes and ears open and look out for each other and our neighbours.”

Although crime has fallen over the past three years in Clementswood ward, in May the number of offences committed was double that of the national average. The vast majority of these offences were classed as antisocial in nature.

In Loxford ward, antisocial behaviour was also the most common offence but this was closely followed by violence against the person.

Loxford ward Cllr Filly Maravala said: “Not enough is being done. The police can only work within the resources they are given. The figures show that more officers are needed in the wards with higher crime rates.”