Redbridge’s top cop answered questions from the public during a live web chat earlier today.

During the web chat Borough Commander Sue Williams was asked questions on topics including hate crime, vehicle theft and her views on the possible legalisation of cannabis

She said that there had been 11 hate crimes reported in Redbridge this year but added that she thought hate crime was underreported by victims.

Asked about her views on legalising cannabis, she said: “As someone who has previously worked on the Central Drugs Squad and a Regional Crime Squad I understand how harmful drugs can be, even cannabis, so I support current legislation.”

One person with the Twitter name Saint Vincent asked: “Why do your police officers always harass me and my friends when there's real crimes happening?”

DCS Williams said she could not comment on his particular circumstances, but added: “Stop and search is an effective tool for the police, we have refined our approach to ensure we are intelligence led and more stops result in a successful outcome.”

She also admitted that police were relying more heavily on social media to catch criminals, saying: “We are using social media more and more as part of our investigations and to appeal for witnesses and in identifying or tracing suspects.”