The police inspector for Redbridge has spoken to the Recorder about what his team are doing to combat burglary in the borough.

Lee Canter of Redbridge Safer Neighbourhoods said initiatives have been put in place to counteract the spike in crime.

“Due to the recent increase in burglary in the Clayhall and Barkingside area, Redbridge Safer Neighbourhoods officers have been focusing on burglary offences to complement the ongoing Operation Mexico initiative tackling burglary and robbery,” he said.

“Police patrols in hotspot areas have been increased and burglary arrests have been made.”

Inspector Canter said some residents will also receive a police kit in the next few days.

“From Monday, February 12 a two-week operation will commence delivering hundreds of Met Trace property marking kits to Clayhall residents,” he added.

“This will be complemented by the launch of Street watch on February 25.

“This is an initiative run by the public for the public with police guidance and is a structured safer method of conducting local patrols.”