Burglary top priority as police in Ilford get tough on crooks

A host of crime-fighting tools are being used by police as they pull out all the stops in a burglary crackdown across area six.

In all three wards burglary remains one of the top priorities and the smart-water scheme, which can be used to mark property so that it can be traced if it is stolen, is being offered to Mayfield ward residents free of charge.

In Clementswood ward high visibility patrols, as well as plain clothes patrols, are taking place on streets where burglary is more prevalent, area committee six was told last week when it met in Uphall Primary School, Uphall Road, Ilford.

Labour Clementswood ward Cllr Helen Coomb said: “I think when they are on the ground they are responding well to things but the public thinks they don’t see the police often enough.

“The police are doing a good job but maybe they need to reassure people with a more visible presence.”

In Loxford ward all residents who have been burgled are visited by the police who also offer crime prevention advice. In May there were seven burglaries.

Labour Cllr Filly Maravala, of Loxford ward, said: “The police are doing a fantastic job. They don’t have to work night shifts but have agreed to willingly. All of them work from their hearts.”

In May there were three undercover night operations in Ilford Lane including enforcing the no-drinking zone as well as anti-social behaviour. A three-year anti-social behaviour order was given to one prostitute who is now banned from entering Loxford and Clementswood wards for three years.

As a result of each of the two night operations, three prostitution-related arrests were made, 12 prostitute cautions issued and 67 dispersals. This was followed by Operation Condor which took place in all three wards targeting licensing issues and prostitution.