Reacting to reports in the media that nine police stations in London including Barking, may be sold off to save money, Council Leader, Councillor Liam Smith said: “One of the most important things we are told by residents and businesses is their concern about crime and anti-social behaviour.
“We know that we are in a very difficult financial environment, but should the worst case scenario happen, we will work with colleagues in the borough command to ensure there is a 24 - hour police presence in Barking Town Centre.”
The decision to close certain stations has been based on ensuring that the properties used by the Police are fit for modern policing purpose and comply with current public access standards and needs.
The opening of a new dedicated; state of the art custody base at Fresh Wharf in Barking last year marked the beginning of a new phase for borough policing at Barking and Dagenham. Any properties that are sold will be substituted with modern facilities that will be better equipped and designed in order to provide policing services at the standard required by modern communities.
Barking and Dagenham Police Borough Commander, Andy Ewing, said: “Barking Police Station’s public access counter will not be closed until an alternative reporting/enquiry office has been established. I would like to reassure the community that they will not be without a Police reporting counter at any stage of the property portfolio review.”
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