The extent of crime and anti-social behaviour in Haringey’s open spaces has been revealed in figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats.

Official figures obtained from the Metropolitan Police show that between December 2006 and November this year, 527 offences were committed in parks, commons and heaths in Haringey. The Liberal Democrats say these figures highlight the need for the Parks Police, which Labour-run Haringey Council is planning to disband.

The 527 offences included 127 robberies, 71 thefts, 36 incidents of actual bodily harm, 13 assaults and 36 bag snatches; 107 people were apprehended for possession of cannabis.

Cllr Ron Aitken, Lib Dem Crime and Community Safety Spokesperson, comments:

“These staggering figures show how complacent Labour is when they propose to disband the Parks Police. Visitors and staff in the parks deserve adequate police resources to be on hand to deal with crimes such as assault, drug dealing and robbery.

“The Parks Police are equipped and trained, with three fully-trained dogs to see off the criminals.

“Those people whom the Parks Police have helped in the past year surely would say they are worth every penny.”

Lynne Featherstone, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, adds:

“Keeping up the public faith to enjoy our parks and public spaces should be a priority. Haringey must put the safety of local residents first.”