Balham Pubwatch team on look out for criminals

Pubs in Balham are helping to keep crime out of the town centre by sharing images of known offenders.

A new information sharing scheme has been set up by the Met Police Balham Safer Neighbourhood Team and Wandsworth Council.   

Photos of known troublemakers are now being circulated among members of the Balham Pubwatch - a group of 17 licensed premises which are working together to tackle antisocial behaviour in the town centre.

Cllr Claire Clay, Chairman of Wandsworth Council's Environment, Culture and Community Safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said:

"This new initiative will ensure the police, council and local pubs are routinely sharing information about known criminals and are better equipped to spot trouble before it starts.

"By working closely with our residents and businesses we can make a real difference to the safety and security in our pubs and bars."

Balham Police Constable Tony Perrott said:

"The aim of the scheme is to enable staff at pubs and bars to identify those known for offences such as theft and disorder and refuse them entry or call police regarding any suspicious behaviour."

Two suspects were recently arrested after they had been identified by a Balham Pubwatch member for stealing handbags.

The picture shows Cllr Clay with Balham Pubwatch members at the launch of the information sharing agreement via Balham.com