2500 Extra Officers For London Metropolitan Police

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is to recruit 2,500 extra Police Community Support Officers by April 2007 to complete the roll out of Safer Neighbourhoods Teams across the capital.

Safer Neighbourhoods is a Met initiative whereby every single neighbourhood in London has its own dedicated policing team. The purpose of the teams is to provide local style policing whereby the officers work with the community to solve locally identified crime and disorder problems, usually quality of life concerns or visible anti-social behaviour.

The MPS is hosting two large scale PCSO recruitment events later this month:
• Saturday 9th September at Simpson House, Peel Centre, Aerodrome Road, Hendon with sessions taking place at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00.
• Saturday 16th September at Islington Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, N1 with sessions taking place at 09:30, 11:00, 12:30 and 14:00.

PCSOs play an integral role in the MPS providing an increased visible presence and a range of vital services on the front line. PCSOs patrol, interact with the local community and gather intelligence in a non-confrontational role. Where possible, they attend to matters and deal with problems not requiring police powers. 

Being a PCSO carries a number of benefits such as generous basic pay package and annual leave entitlement, free travel on London's buses and the option of flexible working hours. PCSOs receive a salary of up to £25,000 depending on location and shift disturbance allowance.

The Met's Director of Recruitment, Simon Marshall said: "The current PCSO recruitment target represents a considerable challenge for the MPS and is, in effect, the equivalent of four years worth of recruitment in one. While the recruitment target is challenging, the increase in suitably qualified PCSOs will mean the organisation is more visible and accessible to the people of London."

For further information go to www.metcareers. co.uk/pcso. Anyone wishing to attend either of the events should confirm their attendance by calling 0870 067 3684.

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Man Shot in Brixton

We are appealing for witnesses and information a shooting in south London. At approx. 23.40 on Friday 8.9.06 a man attended a south London hospital with a gunshot wound to
the leg. 

The 20 year old from Brixton - who remains in a stable condition at hospital - has told police that he was on a pedal cycle on the Myatts Field Estate in Brixton when he felt a sharp pain in his left knee, and realized he had been shot.

He cycled to the hospital where he sought treatment. If it assists witnesses the victim is black and was wearing a blue and white hooded top with long sleeves, and blue jeans Detectives from Trident are appealing for any witnesses to the shooting – or anyone with information on this incident - to contact them at the incident room at Putney on 020- 8785 8580; if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

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Robbery in Bahlam

Police are appealing for information and witnesses following a robbery in Threshers off- licence on Nightingale Lane, Balham on Saturday 2 September 2006. At approx 12.20 the 35y/o manager was in the rear of the store preparing to open up for business, when he heard the front door open. He came out to customer area and found two men in the store. They walked towards the counter and told the victim not to touch anything. One of the suspects pulled out a knife and guided him towards the rear of the shop.

The victim was forced to hand over small bags of cash and coins. The suspects then left the store and walked down Blandfield Road, Balham It is thought that the suspects stole a substantial amount of money DC Peter ATKINSON, who is leading the investigation, said: "The suspects are described as two black men of around twenty years of age and between 5'8" to 5'10" tall. One was dark skinned with a shaven head and wore glasses, and was dressed in a cream top, smart shirt, dark trousers and dark trainers, which could have been Nike. It's believed he was wearing gloves. "His accomplice was of a skinny build with an Afro and was wearing a blue shell suit top. We urge anyone who saw these two men leave the store or know who they could be to contact police or Crime stoppers."

The victim did not require medical attention.

If you have any information you should call Wandsworth Priority Crime Unit on 020 8247 8872 or Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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