The Metropolitan Police Service is campaigning for a more robust relationship between Londoners and its 630 strong Safer Neighbourhoods (SN) teams serving London under a new slogan 'Meet your Neighbours'.
SN officers provide an engaging, visible and accessible service in the capital, working to increase confidence in their local communities, reassure the public and reduce crime.
The latest campaign - which includes posters on the underground and bus stops as well as a short radio advertisement - aims to encourage the public to get in touch with their dedicated local Safer Neighbourhoods team.
A police source said Londoners can do this by visiting the MPS website, or by simply approaching a SN officer in the street. The campaign is also reminding Londoners to make full use of the MPS' new contact number, 101, which was launched on 11 July.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe said: "We are committed to serving London's communities through our Safer Neighbourhoods policing programme. My vision of total policing begins in the neighbourhoods. We need dedicated teams of officers in every ward in London. We can only succeed if we work with and for local people to tackle the crimes that matter to them most.”
Commissioner Hogan-Howe added: "These officers who walk the beat and meet the public are part of local communities. As with any good neighbours they are the sort of people you want in your area. I'm encouraging my officers to talk to the public. My message to Londoners is to do the same."
Also, lending voice to the new campaign Acting Commander for the MPS' Crime and Customer Strategy department, Carl Bussey remarked: "The new information campaign focuses on the vital role played by SN teams across London. Every local community in London continues to benefit from its own dedicated Safer Neighbourhoods team, all working hard to support local communities and help address their crime or safety concerns.”
AC Bussey revealed: "We are also being ever more flexible in opening up further channels for the public to access us, from our new contact number, 101, to home appointments, to our Twitter feed."
Whilst Kit Malthouse, Deputy Mayor of Policing assured Londoners: "Safer Neighbourhoods teams are here to stay and they have my full support. Not only do they play an important role in tackling crime and amassing local knowledge, but the officers also build strong relationships with the public.”
Concluding: "With prudent financial management, we have protected every constable and PCSO working in neighbourhoods and ensured every ward will continue to have an SNT. The only difference is that some sergeants may be shared amongst wards, which in many cases will lead to better co-ordination and more efficient crime fighting. I hope even more people get to know their hard-working local police officers who do a tremendous job in tackling crime in our communities."
Safer Neighbourhoods teams are just one of the many ways the public can make contact with the Met. The public can use our online services, through www.met.police.uk to get information or report crime; visit a police station or front counter; or approach an officer in the street. We can come to you at a time and place to suit you - last year we made 80,000 appointments. You can also get in touch with your local Safer Neighbourhoods team to discuss policing or crime concerns in your area.
101 was introduced to improve access to the police, ease pressure on 999 and to help tackle crime and disorder. The public should call 101 to report a crime that has already happened, seek crime prevention advice or make us aware of local policing issues, as well as getting contact details for their local SN team.
