Today, Justin Madders MP and I met with the Retail trade union Usdaw and a group of retail workers in Westminster to talk about how the cost-of-living crisis, rising violence and abuse in stores, and the impact of Christmas holiday trade is affecting the mental health of customers and colleagues.
Far too many people are facing this Christmas period worried about how to provide for their families. With so many Usdaw members having their mental health impacted as a result of the cost-of-living crisis and increased levels of abuse in the workplace, it is deeply important that we, as politicians, take the time to listen. It was great to be joined by Wandsworth Police for my community safety event last night. We discussed local crime concerns, updated residents on local safety initiatives, and learned new ways to keep our homes safe. A big thank you to all who joined - the community feeling is strong. Additionally, it was great to hear from local residents about how we can make our area safer & about our success of the #SafeSpace campaign. Finally, we discussed future plans to tackle violence against women and girls. Many local residents have shared with me their concerns about pickpocketing in the Balham area.
I have met with Wandsworth Police about this issue, who I know are working hard to ensure that our streets are safe. I have been assured that the police have now increased foot patrols around identified hotspots, in order to identify suspects and to tackle these worrying crimes. Unfortunately, although these crimes are reported on social media, very few of these are reported directly to the police. In order that the police can act on crime, it is vital that any offences are reported as soon as it is possible to do so, either via 999 or 101. This will help the police identify where to direct resources and provide the best opportunity to apprehend those responsible. Stay safe. The recent vigil on Clapham Common was our chance to come together and grieve the loss of Sarah Everard's life. Our chance to mourn the lives of the women lost to violence. And it was a chance to mourn our own lived experiences. I share the frustrations and disappointment felt over police action taken that day. In light of events at Clapham Common, I know many are concerned about the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, and what this divisive law would mean for the right to protest. I want to be clear: Tonight, I will be voting against this Bill. I believe that the Government has undermined this Bill through draconian measures that impose disproportionate controls on free expression and the right to protest. I believe these measures will have an unfair impact on Black, Asian, and ethnic minority people. I also believe 10 year sentences for crimes against statues – significantly longer than the sentences for crimes which disproportionately impact women – is a worrying priority. Under this Government, rape convictions have fallen to an all-time low, delays in the Crown Courts are at an all-time high, and justice is not being served for thousands of women and girls. This is now the time for the Government to correct their woeful record and commit to putting in place long overdue protections for women. In light of the recent tragic events, many residents have been in touch to share their concerns about the lighting in Tooting and Wandsworth Commons. Indeed, many women feel unable to use the Commons in the evening due to the poor lighting, whereby many of the paths are unlit. All our local residents, including women, should feel safe to access these vital green spaces, which is why I have written to Paul Chadwick, Director Environment and Community Services at Wandsworth Council, and Neil Blackley, Head of Parks at Enable, who manage Wandsworth’s green spaces on the Council’s behalf, calling for action to improve the lighting across both sites as quickly as possible. Please check back here for updates on the Council’s response. Our hearts go out to Sarah Everard's friends and family at this unspeakably difficult time. My statement on this and the #ReclaimTheseStreets vigil here: As puppy prices soar across the UK, I am aware of concerns with the recent rise of dog thefts in our community, with incidents taking place particularly on and around Tooting Common. Perpetrators have been using a number of tactics, including snatching leads from dog owners’ hands, using dog whistles to attract dogs roaming off-lead, and impersonating RSPCA employees to gain access to dogs. One strategy involves approaching people walking their dogs and informing them that their dog resembles an animal that has been reported lost, before asking to scan the dog’s microchip in their van. Once near the van, dogs are being separated from their unsuspecting owners before driving away. The RSPCA reminds that their officers will always be wearing uniforms bearing the charity’s logo and will be carrying identification, and asks that any member of the public who believes someone is impersonating an officer report the incident to the RSPCA and to local police. Suspicious activity – including being approached with questions about your dog, asking for photographs to be taken of your dog – should also be reported. I have written to Inspector Barrie Capper, Head of Wandsworth Neighbourhood Policing Team, asking them to take action to protect our pets and tackle this awful crime. In the meantime, Blue Cross have provided a helpful list of actions you can take to help keep your dog safe.
Click here for more information. |
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