A new police team is being launched in Woolwich Town Centre in a bid to crack down on crime.

It will focus mainly on serious youth violence and violence against women and girls while striving to build trust between members of the force and the public.

The squad will consist of twelve uniformed officers alongside three sergeants and will be led by Inspector Jonathan Bradshaw.

The new team’s launch is part of the Council’s drive to improve the safety of its community and slash antisocial behaviour.

Inspector Bradshaw said: “I am very excited to be leading the team in Woolwich.

“I see this as an opportunity to have a real impact on reducing crime and building public confidence.

“Residents will now see a permanent uplift in uniformed police officers patrolling the town centre, with the aim of keeping you all safe.

“Local policing is vital to maintain strong ties with the community and this team is dedicated to working more effectively together with the Council and Royal Greenwich residents.

“We know how important it is to be out and about on the ground, listening and engaging with local people and tackling the issues that make them feel unsafe.”

Councillor Danny Thorpe, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: “I’m incredibly proud of the continued work we are doing together with the police to improve safety for residents across the borough.

“Visible police presence is more important than ever to help build trust and confidence amongst our communities.

“Alongside this new resource, we are continuing to invest: our new integrated enforcement teams and CCTV investment are helping to make Royal Greenwich safer for everyone.”

Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: “Tackling serious and violent crime while ensuring residents and visitors to the borough feel safe in our public spaces, is a top priority for us.

“This increased police presence and partnership work with our enforcement teams will help significantly.”

A spokesperson for Greenwich council said: “A new, dedicated police team has been launched for Woolwich Town Centre to crack down on crime and keep our community safe. “Led by Inspector Jonathan Bradshaw, the team, which consists of three sergeants and 21 uniformed police officers on the ground in the Town Centre, will be working closely with the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Safer Spaces team.

“As part of the Metropolitan Police’s Neighbourhood Policing initiative, the initiative is one of 19 being set up in town centres across London, with a view to predominantly tackle serious youth violence and violence against women and girls.

“A key area of work will also be building trust and confidence between the police and the community.

“The launch of the new team follows on from the Council’s continuous work to improve residents’ safety in the borough, as well as reducing antisocial behaviour and crime.”

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