Since Margaret Mullane launched the community-led campaign to re-establish a permanent police presence at transport hubs across Dagenham & Rainham, starting with Dagenham Heathway, there has been a marked improvement with more officers on patrol.
Margaret as the Chair of the campaign, alongside local businesses at Dagenham Heathway and residents collecting signatures on their streets, have amassed around 2000 names on the petition calling to ‘Bring Back Our Bobbies’.
Margaret said: “The campaign has been extraordinary as it surpasses party politics and puts people and place first. I am in regular talks with the local police teams, our lead for Barking and Dagenham, and the BCU Borough Commander. Since this campaign started back in June, we have seen a series of pop-up police stalls, and regular patrols of the Heathway which have been a positive step in highlighting the value of more visible policing in our community.”
The Metropolitan Police are currently in the process of preparing a plan of action for the Dagenham Heathway area, which includes additional resources to tackle the issues people and businesses experience in the area. This will be unveiled in the new year.
Margaret added: “I am so pleased that our community action has driven change, and there is a positive announcement on the way early in 2024. However, whilst extra resources in whatever shape they come are a victory for us, this will only be the first step. I will continue calling for a permanent police office/base to be restored to Dagenham Heathway.”
The campaign continues. You can add your voice to the petition here: https://community.margaretmullane.co.uk/bring-back-our-bobbies
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