Rising crime and antisocial behaviour are having a real impact on Wanstead residents and businesses, says Calvin Bailey MP, who is calling for stronger action and better reporting
Since becoming an MP, I’ve received a number of emails from constituents and had conversations with Wanstead residents and businesses about rising crime and antisocial behaviour. Shoplifting, vandalism, intimidation; these are not occasional incidents. They are now affecting how people feel about their local area and how businesses are able to operate day-to-day.
Much of this is focused around the High Street. Business owners have told me about thefts happening in broad daylight. In some cases, staff have been threatened or verbally abused. There have been break-ins, smashed windows and reports of elderly residents being targeted near cash machines. I’ve heard directly from people who have witnessed this kind of behaviour and feel helpless and frustrated that it continues.
To help bring the right people together, I hosted a High Street business forum at the start of July with representatives from the police, Redbridge Council, local councillors and enforcement officers. The purpose was to listen, respond and make sure the concerns being raised are acted upon. At the forum, the police confirmed that more officers are now in post in Wanstead, and we discussed how to improve visibility and patrols. Council teams shared their approach to enforcement and where extra support can be provided. Businesses raised a clear message that they want to see more consistent action and faster follow-up when incidents are reported.
One of the most important things I can do as your MP is to make sure the police and council understand the scale of the issue and push for resources to be allocated accordingly. But that also depends on data, and that means we all need to report incidents when they happen. Even if it doesn’t lead to immediate results, it builds the case for longer-term change.
A stronger community response is essential, too. Ward panels, which bring together residents and local police, are an important way to hold services accountable and shape local priorities. The next meeting for Wanstead Village and Wanstead Park wards is on 3 September, from 7pm to 8pm at Wanstead House, and I’d encourage anyone concerned about local safety to attend. You can also sign up to Met Engage, a new online platform that connects you directly with your local policing team. It’s a useful way to stay informed and share what’s happening in your area.
Please report incidents when they happen. Even if it feels insignificant, your reports help build the case for greater action and funding. Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live and work. I’ll keep working to ensure that’s the case for Wanstead.
For more information on Met Engage and for details of how to report incidents, visit wnstd.com/report
