Prostitution, gangs, missing children and cuts to funding were just some of the issues raised at Redbridge Police’s Ask Me event last night (Monday).

Residents and community figures had been invited to the presentation and Q&A session at St Alban’s Church, Albert Road, Ilford, as part of the borough force’s efforts to increase public confidence.

Borough commander Det Ch Supt Sue Williams told the audience crime in Redbridge had dropped by 26.7 per cent over the past three years, including a 29pc drop in burglary, 29.3pc fall in criminal damage, and 40pc decrease in robbery.

Theft from or of vehicles had also fallen by 49.3pc.

“That’s a stunning performance,” she said. “We’ve done that by working with the community.”

Despite the fall in overall crime, she said the force was now focusing on tackling domestic abuse – which has risen by 8pc – and violent crime, which has risen following a change in recording practices.

For more coverage from the event see Thursday’s Recorder.