Street Watch appeal for funding so Redbridge residents can reclaim their roads on patrol
Volunteers and Residents launch Streetwatch Redbridge at Barkingside Police station. Photo by Ellie Hoskins - Credit: Ellie Hoskins
Nearly 100 residents who have signed up to be a Street Watch patroller cannot be trained due to a shortage of funds.
Volunteers and Residents launch Streetwatch Redbridge at Barkingside Police station. Sally Miller speaking to the mayor of Redbridge and Jas Athwal. Photo by Ellie Hoskins - Credit: Ellie Hoskins
Under the scheme, participants are shown by the police how to patrol nearby roads and become the eyes and ears of the community.
Sally Miller, 45, a Havering Street Watch co-ordinator, is helping to establish the project in Redbridge.
She is appealing for donations after discovering she does not have enough money to cover insurance for 98 people to join in.
“Things in Redbridge has taken off very quickly and the community have been really proactive,” she said
Volunteers and Residents launch Streetwatch Redbridge at Barkingside Police station. PC Kate King (dedicated ward officer for Clayhall) receiving flowers and chocolates for her work. Photo by Ellie Hoskins - Credit: Ellie Hoskins
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“We haven’t got the money so we are looking at crowdfunding and welcoming donations from businesses.
“I don’t get paid to do this, I am a volunteer and do it all in my free time.”
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The Met-backed patrolling scheme launched outside Barkingside Police Station on Sunday, with representatives from Redbridge Council, trained volunteers and the police.
It has been set up as a way for residents to claim back their streets.
Volunteers and Residents launch Streetwatch Redbridge at Barkingside Police station. Photo by Ellie Hoskins - Credit: Ellie Hoskins
The scheme hopes to encourage residents to work with the police and create a visible street presence in Redbridge.
“Street Watch is my baby and I want to make sure that it goes well in Redbridge,” Sally said.
“Anyone that wants to join will be police vetted and trained and then they will get the hi-vis jacket.
“When it first started we got money from the Met but like everything else, there isn’t money there anymore.”
Sally signed up to patrol after a spate of crimes in Havering and said it has been a great organisation to be part of.
“I don’t work for the Met and had no involvement with the police before I joined, I was just a resident who saw the benefit of the scheme and wanted to make a difference,” she said.
“Through it, I have built up really close relationships and you can’t put a price on that.
“You also get to understand how the police operate and their processes.”
To donate or take part in fundraising email swhavering@btinternet.com
