Acting Inspector Reshma Sher shares how local Safer Neighbourhoods Teams are addressing Wanstead’s crime issues and encourages residents to help make a difference
Hello everyone. My name is Reshma Sher and I am currently the Acting Inspector for the Safer Neighbourhoods Teams (SNT). I cover North Redbridge. I am based at Barkingside Police Station, where I oversee neighbourhood policing for Wanstead Village, Wanstead Park and nine other surrounding wards. Prior to this, I was a sergeant on SNT covering the same area, so I have a good understanding of neighbourhood policing and this is something that is so important to me.
I have been a resident in Redbridge for my whole life and I have seen and experienced issues as a resident of Redbridge as well as a police officer. I joined the Met in 2014 and I have served on a variety of teams within the East Area Command Unit.
The community is important to me and my teams. We want everyone to feel safe where they live, work, go to school, college or when they are out and socialise with friends and family. Your neighbourhood teams complete reassurance patrols, community engagement events, weapon sweeps, execute warrants, tackle antisocial behaviour and take positive action in relation to any criminal incidents.
We aim to prioritise the community’s needs in all we do. I am aware concerns have been raised about motor vehicle crime and robberies taking place in Wanstead. We are carrying out plain-clothes, proactive patrols as well as providing a uniformed presence during the various times of day the crimes are being committed. The local policing team is working in partnership with other neighbourhood teams, as well as British Transport Police, Safer Transport Teams and the local authority to tackle the incidents as best as we can.
The local team will be arranging crime prevention stalls to provide advice on stopping the theft of motor vehicles, such as using steering wheel locks combined with signal-blocking pouches. They will give advice on keeping your mobile phones safe and some tips, such as making a note of the IMEI number. They will be publishing dates soon on social media and the Redbridge WhatsApp channel. The local teams will also be putting their contact details in your local shops.
We also hold quarterly ward panel meetings. If you are a resident or work in the area, why not come along? You can really make a difference and have a say in what you feel should be the ward priorities to help us with our community crime fighting. Please contact your local SNT if you would like to be a part of this.
To contact Wanstead Village SNT, email SNTJI-Wanstead-park@met.police.uk
or call 07766 247 245
To contact Wanstead Park SNT, email SNTJI-Wanstead-village@met.police.uk
or call 07769 498 676
To join the Redbridge Whatsapp channel, visit wnstd.com/rwa
