The Metropolitan Police confirmed last Wednesday (October 15) that the front counter at Romford police station is set to reduce its operating hours as part of an attempt to save £7 million.
The cutback will see the desk open between 10am and 10pm on weekdays, and between 9am and 7pm on weekends – a reduction Havering councillor David Taylor called a “huge hit” to Romford.
Cllr Taylor, who represents the St Edwards ward, launched a petition following the Met’s announcement, which he says has now amassed 800 signatures from Havering residents.
He told the Recorder: “The reduction in hours is a huge hit to Romford and our mission to make the town a safer place.
“Hundreds of signed my petition in just a few days, showing the level of anger and upset at the move.
“A 24hr police desk provides a vital service, especially for anyone who needs to report a crime late and night and without access to a phone or internet.
“People have phones stolen, women are followed and need a safe place to head to, a police station.”
Romford MP Andrew Rosindell has joined Cllr Taylor in calling for the Met to reverse the decision to ensure all residents have access to policing services in the borough at any hour.
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Separately, Mr Rosindell has started a petition alongside the Romford Conservatives, which he says will be presented in the House of Commons, as well as sent to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley and Havering Council.
A total of 25 police front desks face a reduction in opening hours, including those in Forest Gate, Bethnal Green, Ilford and Dagenham.
A Met Police spokesperson previously said: “The changes to front counter provision reflect the rapidly changing nature of crime reporting with 95 per cent of reports made by the public online, over the phone, or directly with officers.
“The decisions on front counters have been made carefully based on public and operational demand, geography and feedback through a public engagement process in every area of London.”
