Newham Borough Commander Tony Nash on the relevance of war ceremonies

Over the past two weeks we have had events at Barking Abbey and Forest Gate police station to remember the sacrifice of others during the First World War, and, of note the 23 officers from this area who lost their lives in the Great War. Injuries

This conflict resulted in significant levels of fatalities along with serious physical and mental injuries to soldiers and the public from nations across the then Commonwealth including India, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Newfoundland.

At both events we had members of these communities present to remember those fallen souls who gave their lives so we can live in freedom. The events were a clear illustration of how cohesive and diverse communities can overcome such challenges together.

Newham has a diverse and cohesive community and from this the police need to, and will, work with all to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. So far this year we have seen drops in the level of burglary, robbery, pick-pocketing, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

We will always have the attitude that a single crime is one too many. However, assaults and ­vehicle crime has increased.

Issues

Together we can, and will, tackle these issues.

The police and partners will be targeting assaults linked to alcohol and ­domestic abuse.

To do so we will need your help to identify locations and offenders.

Overall crime is down and detections are higher. Our aim is and will remain to make Newham safer for all residents, workers and visitors.

More from Tony Nash.