A NEW squad of transport cops has been set up in London’s East End to help stamp out crime and yob behaviour on public transport. It's the latest in a series of neighbourhood police teams which is patrolling around Mile End Underground station as a visible deterrent to anti-social activity

By Mike Brooke

A NEW squad of transport cops has been set up in London’s East End to help stamp out crime and yob behaviour on public transport.

It is patrolling around Mile End Underground station to be a visible deterrent to anti-social activity, the latest in a series of neighbourhood police teams across London launched by Mayor Boris Johnson.

Pol Sgt Mike Peel, who is running the new team, said: “We’re patrolling with a high visibility to send a message that crime won’t be tolerated here.

“Mile End is a busy transport hub which can become a focal point for those bent on disrupting our lives by crime or anti-social behaviour.”

LOW CRIME

Yet crime levels are low on the Underground, City Hall admits. Pouring cash into policing is partly to make passengers feel safe.

Enforcement director Steve Burton said: “Crime levels are low, but there’s always more that can be done.

“The extra policing in Mile End is a deterrent to those who intend committing crimes as well as helping to make the public feel more secure.”

A 12-week pilot operation in Canning Town, Wood Green and West Croydon last year cut criminal damage by 16 per cent compared to overall crime reductions of two per cent, it is estimated. Robbery was cut by 34 per cent, compared to 26 per cent elsewhere.