A “CRIME-FIGHTER” met the Home Secretary this week at an event to recognise the hard work of community volunteers.

Sue Hare, 57, of Woodhouse Road, Leytonstone, set up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme after becoming frustrated with crime in the area.

She said: “I have lived in the borough for 39 years and I have seen it change over that time: crime increased, we had issues with drug dealers and cars being broken into.”

Mrs Hare says problems with drug houses and gangs have now receded because of better links between the community and the police and a policy of keeping Tom Hood School pupils on site during lunch breaks has improved child safety.

She said: “I would be the bridge between the community and the police, sometimes people would find it easier to talk to me.”

Mrs Hare in 2007 was asked to join the Home Office Community Crime Fighter programme and has attended various training days about how to help the community tackle crime.

She, along with nearly 4,000 other crime fighters, attended the House of Commons and met Home Secretary Alan Johnson - a visit she described as “fantastic.”

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