In its aim to ensure that Barking and Dagenham continues to be safe place to live and work for residents, the east London council continues to fund a Crime and Enforcement Police Taskforce for the borough.



The Taskforce, which currently consists of nine police officers, has been funded by the council since 2012 and deals with crime and antisocial behaviour relating to tenants and leaseholders.



As well as this, the team works closely with the council’s enforcement team going on weekly joint operations and regular weapon sweeps.



In the last year, the funded taskforce has:



•    conducted 929 Stop and Searches

•    arrested 150 people

•    seized alcohol 188 times

•    seized 78 vehicles 

•    conducted 16 weapon sweeps

•    issued 100 antisocial behaviour/COVID warning notices



The taskforce also recovered 44 lost or stolen vehicles.



Councillor Margaret Mullane, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “Living and working in a safe borough is of utmost importance for residents and the council. That’s why fund a specific police and enforcement team to focus on hotspots across the borough. 



“Residents can be assured we will continue to work closely with the police to get results on community safety issues.”



Chief Inspector Chris Nixon, Dep. Lead Neighbourhood Policing Team – East Area said: “The Barking and Dagenham Crime and Enforcement Taskforce are one of the most effective and pro-active team’s I have had the privilege of working with in my career. 



“These results are the outcome of their tireless efforts to bring offenders to justice and prevent crime across Barking and Dagenham.  Their partnership with Barking and Dagenham Council helps to keep our communities safe”



In the last year, the council has also increased enforcement patrols in Barking Town Centre and Dagenham Heathway after these areas were highlighted as unsafe hotspots by residents as well as supporting the launch of a brand-new Barking Town Centre police team and increased CCTV and lighting in a number of areas.



To find out what else the council is doing to ensure Barking and Dagenham is safe for people who live, work or visit the borough, residents should head to www.lbbd.gov.uk/saferbd.