MORE than 3,000 people have now signed up in support of the campaign for more police officers in Waltham Forest.

The council believes the borough needs another 120 officers to tackle crime effectively.

Councillors and officials have been running stalls in town centres across the borough, with shoppers encouraged to get behind the campaign, which has cross-party support.

Cllr Robbins, council leader, said: “"I'm delighted we've broken the 3,000 signatures barrier and I'd urge anyone who hasn't already done so to either come along to one of our events and show their support or log on to our website and add their name to the petition.

“Our call for more police officers has really resonated with residents.

“They recognise we are being hard done by in terms of the number of police officers we have and the amount of serious crime we're forced to deal with, and they are right behind us."

Waltham Forest has about 200 police officers fewer than other boroughs with similar crime profiles, such as Hackney, Newham and Tower Hamlets.

This is partly due to a formula which continues to class Waltham Forest as outer London.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has agreed to a series of meetings between City Hall and council officials to discuss the issue, while, according to Cllr Robbins, Met deputy assistant commissioner Lynne Owens recognises there is an “issue” with the borough's police numbers.

Shoppers can show their support for the campaign by visiting the council's stall at Leyton Mills shopping centre on Friday between 10am and 3pm.

To sign the petition online visit www.walthamforest.gov.uk/backup

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