Based at Charing Cross Police Station in Agar Street WC2, we have the responsibility for much of the Covent Garden Area that lies within the City of Westminster, as well as the area to the East of Covent Garden as far as the Royal Courts of Justice and Lincoln's Inn Fields. Inspector Ainsworth heads a team of one Sergeant and ten Constables. Our establishment will soon be increased by an additional Sergeant. Members of the team attend the AGMs of the residents groups and have representation on such diverse bodies within the area as the Youth Club, Age Concern, Business Groups, St Clement Danes School and the Royal Opera House Community Liaison Group. We also chair a Sector Working Party, which meets every six weeks at Charing Cross Police Station and is attended by the CGCA, Westminster City Council and local residents representatives. As a result of consultation with these bodies, we are made aware of issues which are of concern to local people; their ideas help to formulate the strategies with which we address quality of life issues in addition to the various crime problems identified. While the incidents of street robbery and other crimes of violence remain very low in number, the theft of handbags, briefcases and other items of personal property continues to give cause for concern. Resources are also devoted to retail crime and the Business Watch scheme has been an effective tool in this area. During the year we have initiated multi-agency operations involving WCC, the Benefits Agency, the Inland Revenue, Customs and Excise, Immigration Service and the Royal Parks Police targeting the organisations behind the illegal street traders. The various agencies are still investigating some of these people and we have also involved them in operations against illegal mini-cab drivers and pedal cycle couriers. This successful partnership approach is set to continue for the forthcoming year. Although only on its second edition, our quarterly newsletter has met with an excellent response and may be expanded in future editions. Suggestions and feedback would be most welcome.

 

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