Redbridge police shake-up and station closures ‘good news’ for residents - borough commander

People will be able to go to new “contact points” and nearly 90 extra officers will be coming to the borough over the next two years.

Det Ch Supt Sue Williams said: “I think it’s definitely going to be an improvement.

“Having more officers on the front end can only help us deliver confidence in policing, victim satisfaction, continued reduction in crime and bringing people to justice.”

The new Local Policing Model will come into force on September 16 and is already in place in some London boroughs.

The sweeping changes will save the Metropolitan Police millions, partly through the sale of properties.

The Victorian Wanstead Police Station, in Spratt Hall Road, is being sold after it is vacated by officers later this month along with a police base in Wangey Road, Chadwell Heath, currently used by officers.

Woodford Police Station in High Road, Woodford Green, was also earmarked for closure but saved earlier this year after months of campaigning by councillors and residents fighting to keep a station in the west of the borough.

Many were concerned that the closure of stations would cause a rise in crime from opportunistic criminals.

But Mrs Williams said the changes will mean more police officers doing more patrols in all areas.

She added: “We understand the misery that can be caused to residents by low level crime and anti-social behaviour.

“The new neighbourhood policing teams will investigate those crimes and deal proactively to target offenders and bring them to justice.”

Each ward will have at least two dedicated officers and Ilford Police Station and Barkingside Police Station will remain open.

Mrs Williams emphasised the falling crime rate in Redbridge, adding that the borough suffers from low-level “volume crime” including vehicle crime and burglary.

She said: “Redbridge is a safe borough to live nad work in and we all work very hard to keep it that way.”