On Monday, 27 November, Greg Hands MP, welcomed the new Borough Commander for Hammersmith & Fulham, Chief Superintendant Paul Jervis, to the House of Commons.
In the meeting, Greg raised local residents’ concerns about the outcome of the consultation held by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), which will see the Front Counter at Fulham Police Station close on 14 December. Ch Supt Jervis sought to reassure Greg and his constituents that there will still be a safer neighbourhood base at the current site, with dedicated ward officers operating from the location 24/7.
Greg also raised concerns about recent crime statistics, which have seen a rise in crimes committed in three Fulham wards (Parsons Green & Walham, Sands End, and Fulham Broadway), but a reduction in crime in the three other Fulham wards (Palace Riverside, Munster, and Town). Ch Supt Jervis acknowledged that there has been a small rise in burglaries and vehicle crime in Fulham, and as a result he has increased the visibility of police officers in the area by means of foot patrols to act as a deterrent.
As for the recent reports of crimes being committed by criminals on mopeds, Ch Supt Jervis advised that the Met Police are in a far stronger position now to deal with such criminals, and that they have adapted new tactics and equipment.
Commenting after the meeting, local Member of Parliament, Greg Hands, said: “I’d like to thank our new Borough Commander for Hammersmith & Fulham, Ch Supt Paul Jervis, so much for coming to meet me in Parliament to discuss crime in our local area. I’d also like to thank his predecessor, Ch Supt Gideon Springer for all of his hard work over the past few years, and especially during recent testing times, such as the recent terror attack at Parsons Green.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Ch Supt Jervis and local officers to keep local residents safe.”