Harrow is facing “unprecedented” levels of serious violent crime, according to the new borough commander.

Simon Rose, who oversees the police service in Harrow, Barnet and Brent, addressed concerned residents in Wealdstone at a packed crime and safety meeting last night where he outlined the challenges ahead.

He explained that resources have been transferred to Harrow following a series of high profile incidents, including a murder outside Queensbury tube station and a drive-by shooting in Wealdstone High Street.

“Harrow is one of the safest boroughs in London, but what we have seen is unprecedented and unacceptable,” he said.

“It’s a really concerning increase in serious crime. Harrow hasn’t changed for the good. I’m sorry, but it’s true and it’s a fair criticism of what has happened.

“It is the most challenged area [in the tri-borough region] at the moment and we need a formulated plan.”

Mr Rose, who assumed his role last month, explained that the police have put extra measures in place to cope with the rise in violent crime.

These include an increase in weapons sweeps and the issuing of search warrants, as well as extra powers relating to stop and search.

Resources have been transferred from the Brent and Barnet departments, territorial support has been introduced, and weapons arches will be placed at Harrow bus station.

Mr Rose said: “We cannot arrest our way out of the problem. We are working with schools and other organisations and we are doing our best to make sure that we use our intelligence to protect people.”

He added that the spike in violent crime is linked to “deeply embedded” gang activity and drug dealing.

His point was backed up by Kevin Buck, a British Transport Police sergeant, who noted that gang members often use trains to transport illegal items and travel between crime hotspots.

Several members of the public highlighted overt drug dealing along Wealdstone High Street as one of their main issues relating to crime in the area and believe that it is ensnaring young people there. 

Mr Rose said the police are adopting an ‘Al Capone approach’ to tackling this issue – arresting people for drug and weapons crimes to potentially uncover more serious ones.

But he added that it is important to treat cases individually and be aware that there are times for following a policy of understanding.

He said: “We want to stop people tripping into the criminal justice system, where they can end up stuck in a revolving door.

“There can be cases where people are in appalling circumstances and we need to protect young people before it’s too late.”

His overriding message, however, was that parts of Harrow are in serious need of attention, and the police are reacting to this.