PCSOs Daniel Bures plants shrubs to help deter crime

Brent Police adopt a novel way in Willesden to fight crime

Alex Wellman, Reporter Saturday, September 1, 2012
4:00 PM

Shrubs planted along a wall to prevent yobbish behaviour

The Pyracantha shrubs will grow spiky thorns

A police team from Willesden Green has found a novel way of fighting crime by using a shovel and some plants.

Willesden Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team have joined residents from Pound Lane and staff from Apna Ghar Housing Association in planting shrubs along a car park wall to deter anti-social behaviour.

The team had received complaints from residents that young people were jumping over the wall causing a nuisance while one tenant reported an attempted burglary.

To battle this, PCSOs Daniel Bures and Carol Bryan, got their fingers dirty in planting Pyracantha shrubs – which will grow to have spiky thorns - to dissuade people from causing a nuisance.

PCSO Bures said: “This was a successful event. Everyone chipped in planting the shrubs while new contacts were formed between residents and the local police team.”

Audrey Chambers, Apna Ghar Housing Association, said: “The tenants have agreed to continue to water these plants and I will be monitoring the ASB at the scheme.”