Council announces new three year strategy to reduce crime in Brent

Brent Council has announced its community safety strategy for the next three years as it looks to reduce crime and increase security in the borough.

The report, which seeks to build a “safer Brent”, examines five key areas, with particular focus on knife crime.

It also hopes to reduce domestic and sexual abuse, combat anti-social behaviour, protect vulnerable people and reduce reoffending rates.

Cllr Tom Miller, Brent Council’s community safety chief, said: “We know we are fighting a battle across London in terms of violent crime.

“Knife crime has an elevated priority, and we are aware of that problem in Brent.

“We recognise that there is crime in our borough and we also recognise that there are issues relating to mental health and social justice.”

He said while knife crime had reduced by 5 to 6 per cent, Brent is consistently in the top 10 in London when it comes to crime levels.

The report was backed by several councillors when it was announced at a cabinet meeting last week.

Cllr Shama Tatler agreed focusing on prevention was a key first step, while deputy leader of the council Cllr Margaret McLennan praised its “holistic approach”.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood described the plan as one that will “take [Brent] in the right direction”.

She added: “I feel like we have been smart and targeted with this and we are thinking about those who make up the borough.

“This is about keeping people safe and creating an environment that will make them less vulnerable to gangs and so on.

“It’s exactly the sort of strategy we need.”

As part of the campaign, the council will introduce an improved CCTV service. This will cost £2.3 million and is included in the current capital programme.

The rest of the strategy will be funded by council revenue and contributions from the Home Office and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime.

The new, digital CCTV service was unveiled last week to replace the 1990s analogue system.