In response, I have been working closely with police, and high street retailers to address this growing issue.
To tackle shoplifting, it requires two essential elements: an active police presence on the streets and reporting the crime.
Ahead of my second Crime Summit next month with local police and high street retailers, I was joined by Superintendent Sarah Jackson, Inspector Mason and Chingford Green’s Dedicated Ward Officer Ricardo Gloria. Chingford Green Cllr Mitchell Goldie was also there.
This was for the police to fully understand the problems on Station Road with shoplifting and antisocial behaviour.
We visited local shops and retailers to hear how shoplifting and antisocial behaviour are affecting both their businesses and our local high streets.
During our visit to Station Road, we emphasised to shopkeepers the importance of reporting all crimes to the police and reassured shopkeepers of the visible presence of local officers, most critically their dedicated ward officers.
Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their local community, yet persistent antisocial behaviour continues to undermine confidence among both residents and shopkeepers.
This issue has become more pressing following the announcement that the Chingford Police Station’s front desk remains set to close.
I am unhappy with this decision as it is vital the police are seen to be more visible in Chingford, both in the Police Station and on the street. They must ensure residents have confidence in both public policing and police accessibility.
In the coming months, we will also be visiting other high streets across Chingford and Woodford Green to ensure neighbourhood policing addresses concerns in every area of my constituency.
At my previous Crime Summit, with the police and representatives from Station Road’s retailers, including Boots, Tesco, Co-op, Greggs, and Amazon, we discussed practical steps to reduce violent shoplifting.
As a result, we established a formal communication network between store managers and police officers to improve intelligence sharing and mutual support.
I look forward to the upcoming Crime Summit to discuss what improvement have been made since the recommendations from the previous meeting were implemented.
Neighbourhood policing remains critical to community safety I am committed to working with police and businesses to tackle crime and make our streets safer for everyone.
- Iain Duncan Smith is Conservative MP for Chingford and Woodford Green.
