Police patrols stepped up in Edgware (From Times Series)

Police patrols stepped up in Edgware

9:00am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News By Natalie O'Neill

Police say they are doing all they can to patrol streets in Edgware where muggings, fights and burglaries are rife.

Neighbours spoke out about street crime after police recovered a handgun during a brawl in Deansbrook Avenue on Thursday, August 30.

A 23-year-old from Mill Hill and an 18-year-old from Enfield were fighting when officers arrived at 2.19am. Police arrested both men for affray and recovered a handgun in nearby bushes.

People living in the street as well as neighbouring Heming Road say they are not surprised and that crime is common place in the area. Many want to see more police patrolling the area as a preventative measure.

Sergeant Dan Reid of Edgware Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “I’d like to reassure people we’re doing everything we can.

“I’m putting as many patrols down there as I can on a daily basis. Barnet police are also putting extra patrols on top of that to the HA8 areas as well.

“People can contact their SNT to have a conversation with police. Although we can’t respond to incidents very quickly, we would be able to discuss issues to look at long term fixes.”

Edgware SNT has also been working with the council to help cut down burglaries in particular.

Councillor David Longstaff, Cabinet member for safety and resident engagement, said: “The council has a key role to play in helping tackle crime, with council staff working to support police during a recent major operation aimed at disrupting burglary.

“I am happy to listen to any specific concerns residents may have about their area with a view to the council working closely with the police to find an appropriate solution.”