The first tri-borough Serious Crime Summit for Havering, Barking and Dagenham, and Redbridge, was held on 16th January.

The summit was attended by over 240 delegates, representing community groups, faith groups, teachers, police and court staff.

Cllr Viddy Persaud, Havering Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Safety, said:

“The summit was a great opportunity to share our expertise as well as learn about some of the innovative work that our neighbouring authorities are doing and how we can work better together.

“Serious violence is not just a London problem, it is happening everywhere and we need to be engaging with all our communities, particularly young people, and find more ways to support them and steer them away from a life of crime.”

Keith Prince, London Assembly Member for Havering and Redbridge, said:

“It’s important that the three boroughs and the Met come together to tackle these issues, as no one service can do so alone. By jointly engaging with the community and getting to the source of these issues we have a better chance of success.”