Traders: We need more police (From Croydon Guardian)

Traders: We need more police

11:19am Tuesday 8th April 2008

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Business owners have expressed fears that the recent stabbings in the town centre will affect trade in Croydon.

They are calling for more police on the streets to help stem the flow of blood from violent teenage crime.

“This kind of incident is bad for the whole of Croydon as it supports the stereotype of it being a high crime location, while in reality it is one of the safest boroughs in London. Perception is everything.”

Andrew Bauer

Daniel Dokubo, 19, was stabbed in the chest near the Whitgift Centre last Tuesday just before 10am and staggered through the town centre with a balde still in his chest before collapsing outside Lunar House in Wellesley Road.

A week earlier a 16-year-old was stabbed after leaving youth court in Barclay Road. Both were recovering.

Croydon's Business Improvement District (BID) team was recently forced to pay for extra policing in the town centre after its repeated calls for more officers were turned down by borough commander Mark Gore.

It now wants more to be done to help rid Croydon of serious crimes which are blighting its reputation and young people.

Andrew Bauer, manager at the Whitgift Centre, said: "This kind of incident is bad for the whole of Croydon as it supports the stereotype of it being a high crime location, while in reality it is one of the safest boroughs in London. Perception is everything."

Max Menon, finance director at Allders department store in North End and an influential member of the BID board, said police had done well in their attempt to remove gangs from the streets.

But he added: "We are concerned Croydon is becoming a high crime area even though it is one of the safest boroughs in London.

"There needs to be a higher presence of police on the streets, if you see a policeman, you are not likely to stab someone. This is affecting businesses because of the public's perception of crime, the police need to be visible so shoppers feel safer."

Matthew Sims, general manager of the Croydon Chamber of Commerce, said violent crimes were "givng Croydon a bad name".

He added: "Croydon BID need to continue its work to fight and improve the area's image. Shoppers are being put off to a certain degree because of the perception of crime.

"Police and community support officers are doing a very good job in the town centre, they are visible and have a strong role. But this is real life, it's not acceptable."

A police spokeswoman said: "Over recent years the number of police officers and PCSOs in Croydon town centre has continued to be increased.

"With the introduction of the Local Authority Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers in the borough, the local police will continue to work in partnership to reduce crime and make everyone who lives, works or visits the borough to feel safer."

• What do you think? Are there enough police on the streets? Post your comments below.

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