Cllr Paul Donovan on crime and policing in Wanstead

A young woman and child recently came out of church and found their car had gone. The lady was very upset and in a state of shock. 

She rang the police to report the crime. The church was very supportive but that did not change the violation that had taken place. 

The disappearance of the car and the lady's reaction reminded me of my own experiences as a victim of crime. The first reaction always seems to be one of disbelief and denial.

When burgled a few years ago, I remember looking at the space where the TV had been wondering why my brother, who lived there at the time, would have taken the TV. Slowly I realised we'd been burgled. 

Again, that sense of violation. Someone had been in your personal space.

A more detached but similar reaction happened when the lady’s car was taken. The day before there had been a street party on the road, everyone was relaxed, enjoying themselves. No cars. Kids out playing football in the street - a safe comfortable space. Then, less than 12 hours later the theft in the same road.

Paul Donovan is aware of the violation felt by the victims of crime (Image: Paul Donovan)

Crime breeds mistrust between people. Rather than reacting generously towards our fellow human beings, suspicion creeps in. 

Wanstead is a relatively low crime area. There have been a few incidents recently, theft from shops on the high street, stealing of cars and some muggings.

The police have been alerted. They will act, just so long as the crimes are reported. If not reported, how will the police know there is crime going on in the area?

The police, though, are only part of the answer. They are essentially social refuse collectors, picking up the pieces. Of course, if the perpetrators are likely to get caught, this acts as a deterrent.

In the police's defence, the service has been run down in the past 14 years with a lack of resourcing. This has come at a time of growing demands on the police.

What also needs addressing are the inequalities in society. Criminals target wealthy areas, and Wanstead is a wealthy area, compared to many.

The cost-of-living crisis has pushed many to the brink, some will be stealing to survive. Others of course are part of organised crime. There was a report recently about shoplifting to order - operations stealing for other businesses.

Crime is a multi-faceted thing. There are a myriad of approaches needed to address the problem. More resources for the police, a genuine closing of the inequality gap and help for those struggling the most.

But as individuals, we can also help by reaching out to those affected. Offer support, when needed.

Less helpful is people hyping crime on social media, fostering an atmosphere of fear and anxiety. We can all do something to address these problems, so reach out and help, whenever possible.

• Paul Donovan is Labour councillor for Wanstead Village ward, Redbridge Council and a blogger (paulfdonovan.blogspot.com).