Thousands attend Shomrim crime prevention open day

Members of Shomrim and MPS officers at Clapton Common. Photograph: Hackney Police

Thousands of people came together at Clapton Common for a crime prevention and cycle safety day organised by the Orthodox Jewish Neighbourhood Watch, Shomrim.

The event was set up to support the community in reducing crime and saw 6,000 people come together on Wednesday 6 August.

Highlights of the day included a display by the Met Police’s Dog Support Unit and a special visit from their Air Support Unit’s helicopter.

Acting Inspector Tony Roffey, from the Dog Support Unit said: “It is great to get involved in community events such as this one and show our communities the true value of police dogs in our fight against crime.”

Also on hand were Hackney’s Policing Teams and Council Wardens who offered crime prevention advice, road safety tips and cycling maintenance.

Freebies were provided for the hundreds of children at the event including cycling helmets and over 5,000 ice-lollies.

Shomrim and Safer Transport officers also provided bike marking for hundreds of children, all administered by Hackney’s Volunteer Cadets.

Hackney Borough Commander Chief Superintendent, Simon Laurence said: “I was delighted to be part of the day which exemplified partnership working and community engagement at its absolute best.

“This coupled with bike marking that will ultimately drive down theft and similar in Hackney.

“Six thousand people attended with all 5,000 ice lollies being gratefully enjoyed.”

Officers from Territorial Support Group (TSG) and Safer Transport also attended the family fun day to give advice and the Traffic Unit attended with a vintage police car.