Chingford Mount Business forum and crime summit

The first Chingford Mount crime summit took place on 20th March bringing together Sir Ian Duncan Smith, local Cllrs, the safer neighbourhoods team and local retailers. The purpose of the summit was to strengthen communication between police and businesses and build on the successful implementation of recent anti-shoplifting measures.

Through enhanced partnership working, we are already seeing positive outcomes. Several persistent local offenders have already been convicted, demonstrating the effectiveness of our co-ordinated approach and the value of retailers reporting incidents promptly.  

As part of this work, environmental visual audits have been conducted at several retailers in Chingford Mount. These audits help businesses design out crime through improved layout, visibility and preventative measures, supporting long term crime reduction. We are also working with Met Engage to introduce a dedicated Business Forum, providing regular opportunities for retailers and community members to meet, share concerns and shape ongoing problem solving work with the police.

In addition the Safer Neighbourhoods team continues to undertake regular joint patrols with Waltham Forest council ASB Officers, who are actively enforcing the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the area. This joint approach ensures that anti-social behaviour is addressed quickly.

While we recognise that there is still more work to be done, we remain fully committed to expanding this initiative across Chingford. Our aim is to ensure that small businesses feel supported, offenders are held accountable and our communities remain safe and welcoming. 

Sgt Emma Qureshi