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1 IN 2 POLICE STATIONS IN LONDON ARE UNCONTACTABLE
Research carried out by Dee Doocey, Liberal Democrat Policing spokesperson on the London Assembly, shows that 46% (65 out of 141) of police stations in London do not answer the phone for non-emergency enquiries.
The research follows a similar survey carried out in 2003, where results showed that 39% (52 out of 132) of police stations were uncontactable. The survey also showed an improvement in response times amongst police stations which were contactable, from 1 min 30 seconds in 2003 to 20 seconds in 2007.
Commenting on the findings, Dee Doocey, said:
“Four years on from our last survey, these results show the Met to be more distant and uncontactable. Londoners face silence at the end of the line for just under half the capital’s police stations, a disgrace by any standards.
‘If the private sector don’t answer the phone, they lose money. If the police don’t answer the phone, they risk losing intelligence. Sir Ian Blair repeatedly tells Londoners that defeating terrorism is all about good community intelligence. But if staff in police stations are not answering calls, this creates serious obstacles to reporting crime.
‘Last year’s damming Audit Commission report suggested a link between poor police station response rate and unreported crime. It is imperative that intelligence surrounding the recent stabbings in Hammersmith and Plaistow - whose police stations’ response times are amongst the worst in the capital- is not lost because of unmanned telephones.”
Out of the three contacted in Bexley, Bexleyheath was uncontactable but both Sidcup and Belvedere station answered.
Serious assault
Bexley Police are appealing for information and witnesses to a serious assault and road rage incident.
The incident happened on Friday 16th March at approximately 19.30 hours.
An empty 486 double-decker bus travelling along Okehampton Crescent had stopped at the junction waiting to turn left into Upper Wickham Lane towards Welling Corner.
A silver Chrysler people carrier came around the driver’s side of the bus and stopped. Words were exchanged whilst both drivers were still in their vehicles. The driver of the Chrysler got out of his vehicle, approached the bus and punched the driver in the face through the open window. The driver then got back into his vehicle.
The bus driver got out of his cab and stood in front of the Chrysler to prevent it from being driven away. The driver then edged the vehicle forward about six inches and then drove into the bus driver striking him just below the knees. The bus driver landed on the bonnet and fell into the road. The driver of the Chrysler then sped off.
Several members of the public came to the aid of the injured man. Ambulance and police were called.
The victim was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital and treated for cartilage and ligament damage to one of his knees. Other injuries he sustained were superficial.
PC Graham Hillsdon, who is investigating the incident said, “We have spoken to a number of witnesses but we believe there are still members of the public who saw what happened and we are keen for them come forward and assist police. Anyone who saw the assault can contact me on 0208 284 9170 or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 02800 555111 or the Bexley Crime Hotline on 0208 284 9234.”
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