A crackdown on Lambeth’s dangerous dog problem is to be stepped up, according to the borough’s new top cop.
Borough Commander Chief Superintendant Nick Ephgrave described irresponsible dog ownership - including people using their dogs as weapons - as one of the major emerging problems in the borough.
Further operations across Lambeth - including Streatham and Norwood - will now follow in the wake of a successful operation staged earlier this month in other parts of the borough, including Herne Hill, in which 20 dogs suspected of use as weapons or for fighting were seized from 12 addresses.
Chief Supt Ephgrave said: “We are looking at a rolling series of these operations across the borough. Dangerous dogs are a concern wherever there are open spaces.”
He said police were now working on building “strong leads” on “anecdotal” evidence in Streatham and Norwood on dogs suspected of being trained for fighting, and used for intimidation.
Compulsory microchipping for Lambeth Council tenants - an idea being discussed by town hall bosses - would help them gather evidence and assist prosecutions, he added.
He said: “We want the green spaces in this borough to be safe. People should not feel they cannot enjoy the area’s parks and open spaces for fear of being attacked by a dog.”
Chief Supt Ephgrave, who started as Lambeth’s top cop last month, spoke about his campaign to target dangerous dogs as he outlined his priorities for his minimum three year tenure in the job.
He wants to reduce crime, reduce rising fear of crime, and ensure his staff are happy at work. He denied there has previously been a problem of low morale.
He said Lambeth had made the mistake in the past of policing itself as separate parts - and he was looking to implement a more joined-up approach.
He also dismissed fears Streatham police station would be shut.
He said there were still no proposals from their “landlords” the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) that the station would be shut as part of plans to modernise London’s policing structure.
He said he would always support having a strong police presence, and a police building, in Streatham.
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