Safeguarding and Prevent: Local Context
Redbridge has three main areas of local concern:
Islamist extremism is a threat across London, particularly East London including Redbridge.
Extreme Right Wing support has been seen across Redbridge. Posters and stickers from ERW groups have been found in Gants Hill, Hainault and Hainault Forest.
Gang and knife issues are prevalent across the borough.
One of the biggest drivers of extremism and radicalisation is the online space and this is prevalent across all ideologies (ERW and Islamist as well as other ideologies). Young people can be particularly affected by the online space as it often consumes their lives.
Ilford has also been identified as a key area for human trafficking and modern slavery, particularly linked to women trafficked and forced into prostitution. The most likely establishments to house victims of human trafficking and modern slavery can include nail bars and car washes.
Redbridge Safer Neighbourhoods Team
The Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) is a group of Metropolitan police officers dedicated to serving your community. The team is made up of officers based in your area (or 'ward'), supported by additional officers from the wider area. The main issues that they tackle include:
- increases in hate crimes (particularly anti-Islamic and anti-Semitic)
- increases in burglary, robbery, motor vehicle crime and distraction thefts (pick-pockets)
- issues with rough sleepers and beggars, particularly in and around Gants Hill station - learners and staff are reminded not to give money to individuals but to registered charities only as giving money to individuals attracts criminals to the area
- increasing number of residents with dementia.
Contact your local team for further information or to report a concern.