The full impact of Boris Johnson’s police station closures is made clear in a new map produced by Labour’s London Assembly Police & Crime Spokesperson, Joanne McCartney AM. The map clearly shows that multiple areas of London will be left with no 24hr police station or front counter to report serious crimes to.This follows analysis published Wednesday showing that in two thirds of London’s boroughs there will be fewer police officers under Boris Johnson’s proposals than there were in 2010 (see footnote 3).The areas of London hit hardest which will lose front counters and police stations include Croydon losing five of it’s six; Barking & Dagenham losing three of its four; and Havering losing four of it’s five.The Mayor’s position on police stations and front counters has changed several times:
- In July 2011 the Mayor promised if one station closed an alternative offering the same or an enhanced service would be opened nearby.
- Then in May 2012 he broke the previous commitment and only guaranteed at least one 24hour station in each borough.
- Then on 17th Oct 2012 he stated “I can confirm that no front counter will close unless an equivalent or better facility for public access has been identified.”
- And at Mayor's Question Time on 21st November 2012 he confirmed that any replacement front counter would also have the same number of hours as the one closed.
Labour London Assembly Police & Crime Spokesperson Joanne McCartney AM said:"Significant areas of London are going to be left with little or no 24hour police station cover. If people want to report serious crimes, like rape, in person they will be forced to travel even further – making it harder to report crime. The Police are a service and should deliver a certain level to Londoners. “Boris Johnson has repeatedly broken his promises on police stations and front counters, how can we believe that he will keep his word this time? Closing nearly half of London’s police stations is further evidence that the Mayor and government are cutting too far, too fast and are hitting the front line.“This week we uncovered that 22 of London’s 32 boroughs will be left with fewer police officers under Boris’s plans than they had in 2010. Combined with the closure of 65 police stations and front counters and the loss of nearly half of London’s PCSOs, this will lead to a smaller police presence on our streets. “We doubt the Mayor can keep his election promises, as HMIC reported last year police visibility is down and this trend will continue. Boris Johnson has failed to get a good deal for London from government and now Londoners are paying the price.”
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For maps please contact the Labour Group Senior Press Officer, Mark Williams at [email protected].