“Now, it’s really important that you stay together, you keep in contact on the radios, you’re not to approach anyone if there’s conflict.”
It’s 15:00 BST on a Wednesday afternoon, and Emma Rigby is briefing volunteers preparing to patrol Enfield Town Centre to protect school children from being mugged. She set up the scheme in 2019 through her community group, Love Your Doorstep, following a spate of robberies.
A Mother’s Motivation
Volunteer Tina Coletta joined after her son was mugged four times within three weeks. Emma states that youth crime and antisocial behavior have fallen since the program began, but she remains concerned about violence’s impact on young people, citing six stabbings in Enfield over the past six weeks.
Community Concerns and the Mayoral Election
Residents, including Tina, are frustrated by the lack of detailed plans from mayoral candidates on tackling knife crime. Both Tina and Emma stress the need for substantial investment in youth crime prevention.
Volunteers in Action
The volunteers began patrolling in response to muggings targeting school children. They, along with local business owners like Bindya Amin and Susan Foss from the Old Enfield Charity Trust, emphasize the need for more visible policing.
Police Resources and Local Sentiments
Despite noticing more police recently, volunteer Tony Sheaff highlights that resources are stretched thin. Met police data shows knife crime offences have risen since 2016, but injuries to under-25s have decreased, though figures have risen since 2020. While gun crime and homicides have fallen, robbery and teenage homicides have increased.
Candidates’ Promises
Both Sadiq Khan and Conservative contender Susan Hall have pledged to increase police presence. Hall has promised 1,500 additional officers and a return to borough-based policing. Khan has pledged 1,300 additional police and community support officers, blaming Tory austerity for resource shortages.
Community-Driven Solutions
Volunteers stress the importance of community-police collaboration. Emma praises the Met’s support for her group and calls for more engagement with organizations working with youth. Tina suggests involving ex-gang members in crime prevention efforts.
Violence Against Women and Girls
Concerns extend beyond youth crime. Emma notes an increase in harassment against young girls, advocating for a female commissioner to address these issues. Khan has promised support for abuse victims and tackling misogyny in schools, while Hall has proposed similar measures.
Underlying Causes of Crime
Volunteer Paul Blake and department store manager Natasha Young emphasize addressing the root causes of crime, such as reopening youth centers and tackling homelessness and food insecurity. Khan’s violence reduction unit aims to create positive opportunities for young Londoners, while Hall has promised more stop and search. Lib Dem candidate Rob Blackie and Green’s Zoe Garbett also propose strategies focusing on violent offenders and community-led policing.
