Hounslow Council say it will help people feel safer
People living on Hounslow’s council estates can feel safer in their local neighbourhood as four new estate police officers (EPO’s) start patrolling their communities.
The four new police officers have taken up their posts as part of a match-funding agreement with the Metropolitan Police, and will be patrolling local housing estates to tackle crime and safety issues of concern to local people.
The team will be based at the Civic Centre along with the council’s existing police team, and will be patrolling housing estates late at night to provide reassurance to tenants and leaseholders.
Cllr Steve Curran, cabinet member for housing, planning and regeneration at the council, said: “Crime and anti social behaviour are top priorities for residents, police, council and housing providers, and we want to make sure people feel that Hounslow is a safe place to live and work in.
“These EPO’s will make a real difference to the quality of life of people living on our housing estates, and will be focussing on issues that are of concern to them.
“As well as helping us tackle crime in council owned properties, they will be working with Hounslow Homes to patrol crime hot spots and areas suffering from anti-social behaviour.”
Rob Weir, Chief Inspector for Hounslow Police said: “This is an exciting opportunity made possible by the commitment of councillors at the London Borough of Hounslow and Hounslow Homes working in partnership with Hounslow Police.
“The aim of this initiative is to provide a reassuring physical police presence on Hounslow Homes estates, for those police officers to become known in the local community, listen to residents’ concerns and earn their respect by taking positive action addressing those concerns.
“Any instances of anti-social behaviour or crime will be robustly tackled; the knowledge the dedicated Estates officers will build up of troublemakers and priority areas will make them all the more effective in sensitively dealing with any issues.
“Working closely withy our partners in Hounslow Homes and Hounslow Council, I believe this initiative and the projects we initiate will improve the quality of life for local residents.”
The work of the EPO’s will be guided by a group of tenant representatives and council and Hounslow Homes officers. This will identify objectives and priorities for the team to make sure any arising issues are dealt with as soon as possible.
July 23, 2013