Following my meeting with the Neighbourhood Superintendent for Hillingdon, it was great to meet with Superintendent Matt Cray, who holds the same role in Harrow, at Something’s Brewing on Bridge Street in Pinner.
We had a useful discussion about policing issues across the Harrow wards of the constituency. Similar to Hillingdon, crime is relatively low-level which means that focus and resources are often directed to areas with higher levels of violent crime.
It goes without saying, of course, that residents should feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods, and I know that crimes like drug dealing and vehicle theft threaten that security. I understand from personal experience how distressing it can be to be the victim of crime, but we must also consider the community impact. While it may be the case, for example, that one vehicle is stolen from one driveway on a road of houses, the impact of this one incident on the neighbourhood can be hugely detrimental.
I was encouraged to hear that Superintendent Cray and his team understand this, and am hopeful that an uplift in officers and increased visibility will boost confidence.
I am grateful to Superintendent Cray for his time and look forward to keeping in regular contact.
