At a meeting at the Wentworth Mosque in Wallington on Friday 5th August Police Borough Commander Dave Stringer spoke to the Muslim Cultural and Welfare Association led by Hon Sec Lal Hussain as part of the Keep Sutton Safe initiative.
Speaking after Friday Prayers Chief Superintendent Stringer commented that due to violence around the World hate crime attacks have occurred in parts of London with people targeted because of their ethnicity and religion.
Thankfully, Sutton has not experienced heightened levels of hate crime but Ch. Insp Stringer believes that it is important that the Muslim Community maintains close communication with the Police and informs them of any activity of this nature no matter how small in might be. He said, “We want local residents and local communities to be safe and feel safe.”
The Chief Inspector urged residents to keep in touch with their local ‘Safer Neighbourhoods’ team to seek advice on making their homes and neighbourhoods safer. Because Sutton is a wealthier area than some London boroughs thieves do target the area, people who are concerned should seek advice from their local Police officers.
Part of the pro-active stance taken by the Police is the establishment of a Volunteer Police Cadet scheme to encourage youngsters to learn life skills and have fun through attending outdoor adventure camps, which in turn makes an impressive addition to CV and improves employability for the members. Children from the age of 10 yrs. can join the scheme.
Lal Hussain, Honorary Secretary of the Muslim Cultural & Welfare Association of Sutton, said: “It’s an important occasion for us when such a senior officer in Sutton comes to visit us - especially so for our children who will feel very proud to have met him and will tell their friends. We have a long established and close relationship with the local police and this is widely known and valued and helps us be part of the local community without any problems. The entire community were delighted to meet the new Borough Commander,” he said. Further meetings are being planned.
Carshalton Central Safer Neighbourhoods Team can be contacted on 020 8721 2898. Email: carshaltoncentral.snt@met.police.uk
Please note the team work shifts and are not available 24/7.
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