"Video screens outside London police stations are being trialled in a bid to quell anger over the closure of front counters to save money. If the number of counters is reduced from 37 to 19, it will break Scotland Yard's pledge to have one accessible 24 hours a day in each of the capital's 32 boroughs. In a desperate attempt to balance a 260 million budget shortfall, leaked plans show only eight front desk will remain open 24/7,"
"They wrote to Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to warn further cuts only put another nail in the coffin of community policing amid an epidemic of knife crime, mobile phone snatches, shoplifting and bike theft. Cmdr Sewart wrote: In contrast, 95 per cent of crime is now reported via phone, online, or directly to officers in the community."
Video screens are being trialled outside London police stations as front counters face closure to save money. Plans would reduce counters from 37 to 19 and leave only eight open 24/7, with 11 having shorter evening and weekend hours. Residents in parts of south west London would lose local walk-in access, and nearby boroughs may need to travel farther for 24-hour counters. Concerns include difficulties for people on bail required to report and greater absconding risk. Local politicians warned cuts would weaken community policing amid high levels of knife crime, thefts and street offences. A senior officer noted most crime is reported by phone, online, or to officers in the community.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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