Hounslow Council's Safer Communities team joined the Met Police's Safer Neighbourhoods team on Chiswick High Road and Hounslow High Street, over two Days of Action, designed to reduce crime on and around Hounslow's high streets.

Teams across the council worked with the police and community partners, at a pop-up crime prevention stall outside the former Chiswick Police Station, on Wednesday (20 March).

They talked to local businesses and residents, identifying local concerns and discussing ways to reduce crime.

Officers also spoke to businesses that had been targeted by shoplifters and patrolled areas where the offences were most reported, approaching groups and known offenders.

A radio system linking local businesses directly with the police was also discussed as a means of better supporting and responding to problems.

The council's Licensing team patrolled both Chiswick and Hounslow High Streets, approaching businesses with unlicensed chairs, tables, goods or A-frames on the pavement.

Other traders were commended for complying with regulations and enabling easy passage for people in wheelchairs or with prams.

On the second Day of Action in Hounslow Central on 21 March, the council's Trading Standards team checked businesses for the sale of illegal vapes, tobacco and other goods.

Hounslow Council Street Cleaners also supported with an inspection of the High Street, and Enforcement officers addressed bags of illegally dumped waste.

The council's Homelessness team worked alongside staff from the Addiction Recovery Community, a free and confidential service that helps to break a cycle of alcohol or drug addiction, for people who live in Hounslow. They were talking to street drinkers and drug users.

A pop-up stand was installed on Hounslow High Street, where the Council's Safer Communities Team talked to people about safety and how to report problems.

Elliott Brooks, Director of Communities, said: "These Days of Action bring us together with the police and community partners, to help prevent crime on and around highstreets across Hounslow.

"They are a great way for local people and businesses to let us know what is and isn't working for them and talk about what could be done better.

"We invite these conversations so we can work together, and alongside other community partners, to make our high streets thriving hubs of creativity, generosity, retail, hospitality, and industry, as well as sources of pride to the local community."

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