Safer Neighbourhood Teams Support Successful Highams Park Community Event

Dear Valley Ward Members,

Safer Neighbourhood Teams Support Successful Highams Park Community Event

Officers from the Valley, Hatch Lane and Hale End Wards Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) attended a family fun day and community sports event in Highams Park, helping to create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for everyone in attendance.

The event provided an excellent opportunity for officers to engage directly with local residents, families and young people in a relaxed and informal setting. By spending time within the community, officers were able to build positive relationships, listen to local concerns and gain a better understanding of the issues that matter most to residents.

Children were particularly excited to meet their local officers, explore the police vehicle, try on police equipment and sit inside the police van. These interactions helped break down barriers, encouraging young people to see officers as approachable and trusted members of the community.

Throughout the day, officers spoke with residents about local policing priorities, community safety and crime prevention. They also promoted Met Engage, encouraging residents to sign up and complete surveys so their views can help shape local policing and neighbourhood priorities. These conversations play a vital role in ensuring that policing remains community-focused and responsive to local needs.

The visible presence of officers provided reassurance to attendees and helped maintain a safe and secure atmosphere throughout the event. Residents welcomed the opportunity to meet their local officers face-to-face, ask questions and discuss matters affecting the area. Many expressed appreciations for the continued commitment shown by neighbourhood policing teams in supporting community events and keeping local areas safe.

The event was well attended and, thanks to the combined efforts of organisers, volunteers, residents and local police officers, it ran smoothly and concluded without incident.

Events such as this demonstrate the importance of strong partnerships between the police and the communities they serve. By engaging with residents, supporting local initiatives and maintaining a visible presence at community events, Safer Neighbourhood Teams continue to help create safer neighbourhoods, build trust and confidence, and foster a sense of unity and belonging across Highams Park and the wider area.