Undimming Street Lights 'Could Help To Combat Crime' In Chiswick

Councillors call meeting on policing amid concerns about escalation of muggings

Rocks Lane Centre, Chiswick Common

Local councillors have called on Hounslow Council to review the policy dimming of street lights, introduced as a cost saving measure, as a first step in combating the recent upsurge in crimes including muggings and robberies. A public meeting has been called to discuss policing in Chiswick (details below).

The area near Turnham Green tube station, Chiswick Back Common and Bedford Park, has reportedly become a hotspot for muggings, with young people and schoolchildren being targets, particularly for their phones.

Councillors say that as a first step, street lights should be immediately “undimmed” in the areas where crimes have been committed under the cover of darkness.

The nine Conservative Councillors have called a special public meeting on Wednesday 19 December at 7.30 pm at St Michael & All Angel’s Church, Bedford Park, W4 1TX. which will be attended by Gary Taylor, the Deputy (Tri) Borough Commander. Local police officers are also expected to be on hand to answer residents’ questions on policing in Chiswick.

Cllr Sam Hearn said, "We all have been shocked by the recent high profile incidents on and around Chiswick Back Common. Many people believe however that these events are symptomatic of a far wider increase in criminal activity in Chiswick. Local councillors are in daily contact with residents and residents groups and are acutely aware of the anxiety and anger felt by so many. Not surprisingly in the absence of definitive up to date information about local crime and the policing response to it, rumours spread and passions run high.

"We are therefore extremely grateful that a senior police officer, Gary Taylor, has so readily welcomed the opportunity to join us for a public meeting. There are specific issues that the Council and councillors both can and are addressing, for example the dimmed street lighting. Nevertheless, it is clear that the matters that most concern residents relate largely to operational and strategic policing matters that are under the direct control of the Metropolitan Police and the London Mayor."

Residents of Chiswick Back Common held a meeting last week to discuss the anti-social behaviour in their area. The meeting was attended by a police officer from the Safer Neighbourhood Team, who advised residents to sign up for the OWL neighbourhood messaging service. However, one resident said this did not particularly reassure them that enough action was being taken.

The nearby Rocks Lane Sports Club announced last week it was taking security matters seriously, following incidents where children playing sport at their club have had items stolen from them by larger groups of teenagers hanging around outside on the Common. Measures being considered include hiring a private security company, improved lighting of the Common at night and CCTV coverage of the area.

Cllr Sam Hearn said that the aim is for the formal questions and answers to finish around 9.00 pm. Written questions will be accepted in advance. Please email any questions or short statements to office@brentfordandisleworthconservatives.org.uk. You will be able to book a free ticket for the meeting via Eventbrite. This will secure access to the venue and give some idea of the numbers to be catered for.

December 7, 2018