The Clapham Junction Transport Hub Team was formally launched this morning (although they have been operational for a month).  Kit Malthouse, the Deputy Mayor with responsibility for policing came down to Lavender Hill police station and Clapham Junction.

The team is one of 32 being introduced across London by Boris Johnson as part of his manifesto commitments to reduce crime on the transport system.

The trials elsewhere in London were incredibly successful, seeing robberies drop by 38% and overall crime by 16%.

Local Safer Neighbourhood Teams will also benefit, Northcote, for example, had been focusing on vagrancy and taxi touting outside the station – they now have an extra resource to help, meaning they can dedicate more time to residents’ other concerns.

It’s great to see the team in place and with support from high-up in the Boris administration.   This is exactly the sort of team Wandsworth had been lobbying Ken to provide, but despite warm words from his people nothing was done.

[As an aside, in the non-public area of any police station there are various pictures of ne’er-do-wells, so I was somewhat disturbed to see my picture – and not a flattering one – displayed in a prominent position right outside the police mess.  I don’t think I’m wanted for anything, honest.]