A safer Brent

Creating a safer Brent is one of the council's highest priorities. We are working closely with the police by helping to fund 16 police community support officers (PCSOs) who will tackle graffiti, littering and dog offences. As well as removing graffiti once it appears, we identify those responsible and take action through the courts.

CCTV is a proven weapon in the battle against crime. To update the borough's current system additional equipment will be bought in the coming years.

Our Specialist Domestic Violence Court, which launched last year to support victims and help bring those guilty of abuse to justice, has already seen excellent results. We are also working to support victims applying for benefits, making housing applications and finding school places for their children.

Brent is continuing to tackle gun and knife crime. Our pioneering research into gun crime a few years ago was used as a model for national studies. Now the council wants to understand why people join gangs. As part of this, young people at John Kelly schools are being trained in resolving conflict without using violence.

Adult volunteers are also being taught to deal with neighbourhood disputes, so by 2009 we hope to be able to engage with gangs, or individuals, involved in serious clashes.