A Redbridge councillor helped tackle a shoplifter trying to steal wine from a Wanstead supermarket this afternoon.
Cllr Paul Canal was passing Tesco Express, in High Street, when he saw a security guard struggling to stop the man around 4.30pm.
He said: “The shoplifter was a tall guy and the security guard was quite short and he was getting away.
“So I just walked behind them and used my weight to push him back inside the shop.”
Cllr Canal said he did not have to think twice about stepping in.
“The adrenaline really kicks in,” he added.
He is concerned that crime on the High Street could rise after the closure of Wanstead Police Station.
Cllr Canal said: “I’ve been told by people who have lived here for 20 years that the area is experiencing more crime now.”
After a restructure of the Metropolitan Police next month, there will be nearly 90 more police officers in Redbridge but only one Pc and one PCSO will be permanently assigned to each ward.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here