That this House recognises the invaluable provision of police front counters in London, whether they are located in purpose-built police stations or in multi-use shared spaces such as community centres, libraries, and supermarkets; acknowledges that police accessibility and the provision to report crime face-to-face is a vital service which ensures that the most vulnerable victims of crime have a safe and discreet place to report offences; understands that a lack of accessibility could lead to a fall in reported crime and an inaccurate picture of actual crime in the capital, whilst making offenses more attractive to would be offenders; condemns the decision taken by the Metropolitan Police to close 18 front counters across the capital, leaving many boroughs, like Barking and Dagenham, without the provision of in-person reporting; accepts that this will also have a detrimental impact on staff who may face redundancy; further condemns the lack of consultation between the Metropolitan Police, Mayor of London, front counter staff and trade unions; and calls on the Government to acknowledge we cannot put a price on community safety, by stepping in to defend both the jobs of front counter staff, and the ability to report crime in-person across London.
