Police officers in Mapesbury are urging more people to provide them with information about crime and anti-social activity, particularly involving drug use, saying they can’t do their job otherwise.

Sgt Stuart Colman has sent a request via Mapesbury councillor Lia Colacicco explaining his team is “extremely stretched”.

He said: “One of my officers had a meeting with residents the other week and explained the situation regarding lack of resources to tackle certain issues and put in patrols in as many areas as we would like.

“At the moment I have only one PC and one PCSO to cover the entire ward. We are extremely stretched and need all the help we can get from residents, but they are not contacting us with their complaints or willing to provide us with statements.

“We need sufficient information that we can act upon.

“We are aware of residents’ Facebook groups where issues are discussed, but these concerns are not being passed on to police.”

Cllr Colacicco added: “The police cannot close down illegal activity unless residents are prepared to make statements.”

To contact local police call 101, report via Twitter or online at www.met.police.uk, or email the team directly at Mapesbury.SNT@met.police.uk.