Tackling Crime in Stratford and Bow

Crime and safety continues to be a major concern for residents in Stratford and Bow. From rising incidents of phone theft and anti-social behaviour to incidents of serious crimes like violent attacks and hate crimes, these issues have a profound impact on our community’s sense of security in our streets and homes.

As your MP, I am committed to addressing these concerns head-on, ensuring that Stratford and Bow receives the resources it needs for a safer future.

What I’ve Been Doing Locally

Since my election, I have worked closely with local, citywide and national authorities to improve safety in Stratford and Bow:

  • Meeting with Police Chiefs
    I’ve held meetings with the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, and the Borough Commanders for Newham and Tower Hamlets to advocate for increased visible policing. I raised key issues for my constituents, including phone thefts, shoplifting, and anti-social behaviour, and will continue holding them accountable for progress.

  • Addressing Serious Incidents
    Following a serious attack in the East Village, I personally raised the incident with the Mayor of London and Borough Commanders to ensure a strong response and support for the victim. I will continue to act immediately on serious incidents of crime in Stratford and Bow.

  • Joining active patrols with local police
    I joined the Deputy Mayor of London for Policing and Crime on a walkabout with local police teams in Stratford, where we discussed the introduction of new pop-up mobile police stations and the benefits of police presence. This initiative provides a visible deterrent and makes it easier for residents to report crimes.

However, I know that many of you want to see more regular patrols, and I’ve made it clear to local police teams that this remains a priority.

What I’ve Been Doing in Parliament

In Parliament, I have:

  • Questioned the Policing Minister about the adequacy of neighbourhood policing levels in East London. Years of Conservative cuts have left our police teams stretched too thin, and I’m pushing for Stratford and Bow to benefit from Labour’s new Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

  • Supported Labour’s Crime and Policing Bill, which introduces tougher measures to tackle shoplifting and creates a specific offence for assaulting shop workers. These reforms are critical for protecting local businesses and workers in Stratford and Bow.

How Labour is Supporting Safer Communities

The new Labour Government has made safety a priority, with initiatives that directly address the challenges facing Stratford and Bow, including:

  • £200 million to tackle violent crime and restore confidence in public safety.

  • 13,000 additional neighbourhood officers and PCSOs to strengthen police presence across the country.

  • Tougher penalties for shoplifting and assaults on shop workers, supporting local businesses and their employees.

These measures mark a new era of accountability and investment in community safety.

If you’d like to share your experiences or concerns, or need my support, please contact my office. Together, we can work to make Stratford and Bow a safer place for everyone.