Moving forward ---embracing changes in policing.

We also welcomed our new Deputy Borough Commander,Detective Superintendent,NEIL WILSON,who quickly introduced himself and gave a very frank appraisal of the difficulties we might be up against as the cuts start biting.He also said that the way forward was to work smarter with what we had in hand.We all had to learn to accept that the original model of Safer Neighbourhood Teams,throughout London was being trimmed to fit in with the changing times and economic challenges.

The whole country was having to accept cuts in all sorts of sectors and policing would be no exception.The Metropolitan Police Service has had to review what is sustainabe and viable London-wide.One thing's for sure,from now on,POLICING WILL ALTER.There is no cause for alarm.

Alot is still within our control.It is upto every Harrovian to take responsibility for themselves.Your Police can serve you far more effectively and prevent/reduce crime only if YOU JOIN HANDS WITH THEM.Here's how you can make that work.

Every single local team is actively promoting CRIME PREVENTION messages and offering some tools such as SMARTWATER to DETER BURGLARS and ROBBERS.They have a number of tips which they can share with you.However,it is your decision whether or not you follow their valuable advice.Its YOUR CHOICE.

Your local Safer Neighbourhood teams may be leaner and some may be sharing their Seargeant with a neighbouring Ward.Your support is vital in helping keep the policing service on top of things on your patch.Use the 101 non-emergency number if theres no immediate danger to your life/property.For all emergencies please call 999.

Simple crime prevention advice when put into practice makes you safer at home and out on the streets.It's not rocket science that during these darker months crime ,traditionally,escalates.As we approach the Festive Season, we tend to become careless and let our guard slip.Please recognise there's a price to be paid!There is no need to panic but taking precautions to not becoming a victim of crime makes good sense.If you suspect something please call your SNT or even use the free Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.Every little helps!

The Borough Commander,Dal Babu, has said in future Harrow Police will flex resources from less busy Wards to those with higher demands.This will be intelligence-based.The patterns of crime will be regularly reviewed on an ongoing basis,and officers moved around according to need.You will still have local cops covering your area and engaging with you.

We also had the London Communities Policing Partnership(LCP2) meeting with the Commissioner ,at New Scotland Yard,on Thursday.Newly appointed Assistant Commissioner ,Simon Byrne,met with us and explained in some detail the way forward.His pragmatic and upfront approach went down well with the Chairs of CPEGs .

He conveyed that Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe believes in action ,like himself,and has carefully laid plans to execute them.We will,undoubtedly,see many policing changes to fit in with their plans.We have heard about a number of Operations aimed at criminals and also Operation Hawk which will be ongoing.The first of these has brought rich dividends and will be repeated throughout London.Thay are also planning carefully for the important events next year--notably the Queens' Jubilee and the Olympics.It is a huge challenge on top of day- to- day policing which must go on regardless of anything else.

Please remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to your local police.We have to be alert at this time of the year about any suspected Terrorist activity.Again,there is no need to be fearful,just mindful and help us foil any such criminal activity.

We hope to welcome our Commissioner to Harrow,early in the New Year and look forward to his visit most eagerly.AC Simon Byrne has also very kindly accepted my invitation to meet with Harrovians ,in Spring next year,and get to understand our needs better.Alot to look forward to!

As we go forward,the Metropolitan Police Authority(MPA) will be disbanded at the end of December 2011.All governance and responsibility for Community Engagement Groups(CPEGS)like ours will pass into the hands of the Mayors Office for Policing and Crime(MOPC) ,in January 2012.They will continue to fund and monitor all CPEGs throughout London.

Rest assured your police oficers are very concerned for your safety and well-being and are waiting for you to contact them.You may either do this online or get their number and leave a message.Some of you are NEIGHBOURHOOD CHAMPIONS and are already helping the Police to keep our neighourhoods safe.We still need more to join this worthy Council-led scheme and make our local areas even safer.There is a new scheme for messages/police alerts to be relayed free of charge via the internet.Please ask your local PCSO or PC for more information .

You may wish to actively participate in policing your borough.Ask your local team for details of how to join your Safer neighbourhood panel.You may also wish to volunteer and become a SPECIAL CONSTABLE.Opportunities to serve your community abound On behalf of the management of the HPCCG I apologise profusely for any inconvenience caused to those who wished to attend our Youth meeting on November 21,in the Council Chamber.Due to circumstances beyond our control we were unable to contact and inform all of you in good time that this had suddenly been cancelled.We are extremely sorry this happened.

However,you will be pleased to hear that we will be meeting for the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) of the Harrow and Police Community Consultative Group(HPCCG),on Monday 23 January 2012,in the Council Chamber,Harrow,7 for 730pm and look forward to seeing you there.

Have a VERY MERRY AND SAFE CHRISTMAS AND A NEW YEAR FILLED WITH MUCH SUCCESS AND JOY.

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