The External Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 6 July 2026 to discuss the Metropolitan Police's performance and future plans. Key topics included police abstractions, the Tough Choices programme, and crime statistics, with a particular focus on reductions in antisocial behaviour and robbery.

Metropolitan Police Update

Acting Superintendent Mo Mahmood and Inspector Matthew Ross of the Metropolitan Police presented an update on their work in Redbridge. They highlighted significant changes within the Metropolitan Police, emphasising that neighbourhood policing remains a key priority. The presentation covered the organisation's structure, operational pressures such as abstractions, and overall crime performance.

Police Abstractions and Resourcing: The committee discussed the issue of police abstractions, where officers are deployed outside of their usual borough. Redbridge was noted as being in the bottom quarter in terms of being least impacted by abstractions, meaning it was in the top quarter for the number of officers abstracted. This was attributed to significant events such as protests, national security incidents, and the FA Cup final, which stretched resources across London. The counter-terrorism threat level also impacted resource allocation for events.

The Metropolitan Police faces a £125 million funding gap, necessitating difficult decisions as a shrinking organisation. Despite this, neighbourhood policing remains a priority, though reductions elsewhere may challenge local delivery and partnership work. Specialist units like the dogs and flying squad have been integrated into the borough policing model, and a deployment review aims to ensure more officers are available for frontline roles.

Crime Performance: The committee received positive news regarding crime performance in Redbridge. Overall neighbourhood crime categories showed a 10% reduction compared to the previous year, and a 55% reduction over a two-year period. Specific crime types with notable reductions included:

• Antisocial Behaviour: Down 20% over the last reporting period, 7.6% year-to-date, and 50% over two years. This was attributed to ongoing work with partners, particularly the local authority, and a focus on problem-solving and increasing Community Protection Orders leading to Criminal Behaviour Orders.
• Robbery: A significant reduction of 33% year-to-date and 58% over two years. Strategies include targeting persistent offenders, intelligence-led operations, and utilising CCTV and facial recognition technology.
• Retail Crime: Reductions were noted, with a significant increase in positive outcome rates. The Op Aura system has been launched to help retailers report crime involving repeat offenders.

The presentation also highlighted improvements in positive outcome rates, meaning more offenders are being brought to justice, leading to better victim outcomes and increased public confidence.

Operational Activities and Future Plans: Inspector Matthew Ross detailed specific operations contributing to crime reductions, including Operation Burley targeting theft from persons in Ilfa Town Centre, which resulted in over 26 convictions. Efforts to tackle shoplifting have involved closer collaboration with businesses and the use of Criminal Behaviour Orders. Operations against drug dealing have also led to significant prison sentences.

Future plans include a focus on reducing violence, addressing key crime types, and enhancing problem-solving across all wards. The Metropolitan Police is also working on a Pan-London rollout of strategies to combat violence against women and is consulting on a new antisocial behaviour strategy. A Home Office initiative, OPPORUS, is underway in Ilford Town to address knife crime through increased patrols and problem-solving projects.

Partnership Working and Community Confidence: Throughout the discussion, emphasis was placed on the importance of partnership working with Redbridge Council and other agencies. Councillors raised concerns about the impact of resourcing changes on local relationships, particularly with vulnerable groups and faith communities. The police assured the committee that efforts are being made to maintain these relationships through local ward teams, tension monitoring groups, and borough commander-led faith group meetings.

Addressing public perception of crime was also a key theme. While statistics show positive trends, councillors noted that residents often feel crime is higher than reported. The police outlined strategies to improve public confidence, including stepping up media outreach, utilising platforms like Met Engage, and building local connections with community groups. Efforts to improve the crime reporting system and encourage more residents to come forward were also discussed.

The committee also discussed the renewal of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) and the ongoing inquiry into grooming gangs in Redbridge. The Director of Community Safety and Cohesion clarified that PSPOs are a local authority responsibility and require a strong body of evidence to justify their implementation. Engagement with the Metropolitan Police on the grooming gangs inquiry is ongoing.

The next meeting of the External Scrutiny Committee was scheduled for 30 November 2026.