Whitton Traders Protest over Crime

12.32.07pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 26th Jul 2005

Despite Whitton being designated a Safer Neighbourhood - with a detachment of a police sergeant, 2PCs and three police community support offices and given priority for CCTV cameras, traders have protested over lack of police protection. They are seeking a 'dispersal area' and more visible policing and claim that crime; harassment and racial abuse are on the increase.

Vincent Cable, MP, said that her would be raising the issue at the Police Community Consultative Group (on Tuesday). "Whitton used to be one of the safest and most law abiding areas in the borough, indeed in London. But there have been continuing problems in the High Street with groups of teenagers and some well organised crime. Some of the traders have reached the end of their tether and want more drastic action. I, personally, have doubts about 'dispersal orders' since they apply to people whether or not they have committed any offence and simply drive away groups of young people to another gathering point. But a system of late night foot patrols by the police in the High Street area would certainly help".