More Officers On The Streets Of London

Up to a thousand more police officers could be patrolling the streets of London now that budget plans have been approved.

The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) welcomed the approval of their 2008/09 budget proposals agreed by the Mayor and the London Assembly.

In the budget there is the potential to create up to 1,000 officer posts, covering all policing activity.

Len Duvall, MPA Chair, said: "This budget settlement of £3.5 billion gross is very good news for the 'Met' and for Londoners, with a significant rise in police numbers over and above expectations, while keeping the rise in the precept below inflation."

According to Mr Duvall, the Met's latest public attitude survey shows that they have enhanced public confidence and had a real impact on people's day-to-day lives.

He claimed crime figures also reinforce the upturn in confidence in policing, with most crimes falling month-on-month, and burglaries at an historic low.

"This proves that we can increase police resources sufficiently to make a real difference, while operating within tough financial boundaries: but there is still more to do," he said.

"There are also major issues to deal with over the coming months and years - including the ongoing need to keep Londoners safe from terrorism, and developing strategies to tackle crime that impacts specifically on young people and other violent crime.

"But we must show Londoners that they are receiving value for money and real benefits. Financial constraints remain and we will continue to work with the Mayor and the Commissioner to reduce waste and deliver ongoing improvement to our services, and build in efficiency savings year on year."

(VB)