Cops could take over empty shops to increase presence on the streets
By Jacob Phillips, Local Democracy Reporter
Police officers could be asked to take over empty shops and kiosks to tackle violent crime and drug dealing on London’s streets.
It is feared residents in Kensington and Chelsea were too terrified to call the police over concerns that criminals might harm them, councillors heard.
They were told the solution could be to for officers to work in kiosks around the borough.
Labour leader Mo Bakhtair told Kensington and Chelsea’s full council meeting that in the 10 years he has been in North Kensington, drug dealing and violent crime has left residents terrified.
He said: “The drug dealing and crime is affecting our communities. Teenage children are being dragged into crime.
“People are being stabbed over territories.
“We need to challenge them operating freely. This council should take care of its residents’ safety.
“We are asking the council leadership to priorities police kiosks in crime hot spots in the borough.”
The politician suggested the council asked for police officers to have a presence in kiosks with 360 degree CCTV cameras.
The council voted to pass the motion and other councillors suggested putting police officers in empty shops or one-metre wide police boxes to help make communities feel safer.
Councillor Bakhtair added: “North Kensington has become the hub to supply W11 and W12.
“Those who live there are terrified to report anything to the police and criminals would retaliate by harming them.
“We need to be creative to protect our residents.”
Similar plans have been suggested in other London boroughs with police based in a shopping container in Redbridge to help keep an eye on local communities.
RBKC recently made a bid to buy Kensington Police Station from the Mayor’s Office of Policing and Crime.
The council wanted to buy the station so it could be used by the community rather than become private housing.
The authority is considering various uses: a GP surgery, space for local police, facilities for adults with learning difficulties, a rented community space and affordable homes for key workers.
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