More than 200 residents, community groups, and local leaders gathered on Monday (27 January), to discuss collective efforts to tackle drug and knife crime in Brent.
Residents shared concerns, asked questions, and found out more about efforts to improve safety across the borough directly from senior police officers at the event organised by the Brent Safer Neighbourhood Board.
Metropolitan Police officers shared details of the early-intervention initiative, Project ADDER, which includes local police referring individuals who are arrested and identified as experiencing addiction directly to the VIA community drug and alcohol service. Data revealed that 57% of Brent’s prolific offenders are linked to Class A drugs, underlining the need for proactive intervention and prevention.
Chief Superintendent Sara Leach, Chief Inspectors, Inspectors, Sergeants, and the Territorial Support Group (TSG) detailed their ongoing efforts to tackle crime and welcomed feedback on improving safety and strengthening ties between the community and the police.
Residents identified hotspot areas and shared ideas on how to reduce drug use and knife carrying, including more community drop-in sessions with local police, youth outreach initiatives and earlier education in schools.
