Council-funded police remove knife from streets

Three youths were arrested near Oaklands school on 7th January suspicion of possessing a dangerous martial arts knife. Officers from the Partnership Task Force (PTF) were in the Canrobert Street area, E2, when they saw three youths acting suspiciously. The youths saw the police and appeared to hide near a parked car. The knife was then found under the car. There is a fingerprint on the knife, which is currently being examined at Scotland Yard.

The Partnership Task Force was launched in June 2011 and following its success, “PTF 2” was formed.  PTF 2 will be funded by the Council until 2015/16. If whichever Government is elected in May this year continues with austerity policies and cuts the Council’s budget further, funding of this valuable service may not be able to continue.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman said: “I am pleased that the partnership police officers we fund can help the Metropolitan Police with the important task of removing dangerous weapons from the streets of Tower Hamlets. It is vital we continue to work closely with police to ensure the borough remains a safe place for everyone.” PC Hammond of the PTF said: “Weapons such as the item recovered today are a danger to the community and I am pleased we have taken it from the streets.”

•Tower Hamlets police would like anyone with information or concerns about drugs and anti-social related crime in their area to contact their local Safer Neighbourhoods Team or contact police on 101, the non-emergency number. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111: you can remain anonymous and you do not even have to give your name. In an emergency, call 999.