More than 500 town centres across the country have signed up to the government’s Safer Streets scheme, which promises tougher action on shoplifting and antisocial behaviour.
The summer crackdown – which runs from July until September 30 – will see increased police patrols in town centres, a named, contactable officer in every community, and antisocial behaviour leads in every police force.
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Police also plan to ramp up the use of enforcement powers against criminals, including banning perpetrators from hotspots.
East London towns that are part of the scheme include Romford, Ilford, Barking and Shoreditch, while south Essex towns such as Brentwood have also signed up.
It comes as record levels of theft and street crime are reported across the country – with half a million shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales last year.
Home secretary Yvette Cooper said she hopes the crackdown on town centre crime will send a “clear message” to criminals.
She said: “I have called on police forces and councils alike to work together to deliver a summer blitz on town centre crime to send a clear message to those people who bring misery to our towns that their crimes will no longer go unpunished.
“The fact that 500 towns have signed up shows the strength of feeling on this issue.
“Through our safer streets mission and plan for change, we are putting officers back on the beat where you can see them and making our town centres safe again.”
The scheme will also support young people in the towns by ensuring there are activities for them to be involved in over the summer holidays.
Full list of east London towns signed up to the Safer Streets scheme
- Romford
- Ilford
- Walthamstow
- Barking
- Whitechapel (Whitechapel Road)
- Shoreditch
- Stratford (The Stratford Centre)
