Tackling knife crime and domestic violence are among the key priorities set out by Harrow Council as part of its latest community safety strategy.

Cllr Krishna Suresh, responsible for crime and community cohesion at Harrow Council, outlined six target areas as part of a report last week.

The council – in partnership with various bodies including the Mayor of London’s office for policing and crime – will focus on burglary, hate crimes, anti-social behaviour, domestic violence, protecting young people and knife crime.

It will also look to tackle female genital mutilation, incorporating this into the strategy to ensure a “joined up approach”.

“There needs to be a clear focus on our priorities, as there are limited council resources,” said Cllr Suresh.

“I personally think that, if we can achieve these outcomes, working with the police and the voluntary sector and other partners, we will help make Harrow one of the safest boroughs in London.”

He was quizzed by Conservative councillor Richard Almond at a cabinet meeting on Thursday (July 11), who suggested there were too many target areas for them to be considered priorities.

Cllr Suresh explained these priorities were not his own personal ones and that they have been formulated by various bodies.

He said he hopes to see a “zero tolerance approach” to drug use in Harrow but appreciates that there are several experts across the capital who have helped create this strategy.

“We have collectively sat together and identified the issues that are taking place on a day-to-day basis. We’ve looked at the data and have prioritised,” he said.

Cllr Almond said he “looked forward” to an official response to his question, which had also been raised by the council’s overview and scrutiny committee.

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