Illegal fishing, toilets and suspicious incense - Twitter reveals work of parks police

Illegal fishing, toilets and suspicious incense sticks were all in a day’s work for the Redbridge Community Police Team on Monday.

The officers’ patrols around parks and open spaces were live-tweeted by Redbridge Council and police.

The toilets in South Park were checked for “suspicious activity”, officers made sure no one was fishing illegally at Fairlop Waters and in Loxford Park, the team met volunteers from the City Gates Christian Centre sprucing up the children’s play area.

Officers also stopped a person in Valentines Park for possible cannabis possession but on further inspection, the suspicious substance was herbal incense.

The Community Police Team, which is partly funded by the council, patrols parks daily to stop illegal activity, tackle anti-social behaviour and discourage crime.

Sgt Steven Beyler said the live-tweeting provided an “insight into a typical day” to show residents the team’s work.

He added: “We look forward to conducting more patrols in partnership with the council as together we are working tirelessly to improve the lives of the residents and businesses in Redbridge.”