Police urged to step up patrols in Hackney Wick after spate of violent muggings

Frustrated boaters and residents in a corner of east London have urged police to step up patrols after a spate of violent robberies in the area.

Residents in Hackney Wick called on police to do more to crack down on violent muggings around the canals after numerous people reported being attacked in recent months.

Officers have been accused of being “blasé” about the number of alleged attacks and, at a meeting in Hackney Wick, residents hit out at a lack of police resources.

One local pointed out that, because officers sometimes have to call for back-up when pursuing a suspect, they could not react fast enough, adding: “By the time you get there these guys are gone.”

Speaking at the Hackney Wick police AGM, he said: “I have stopped using Hackney Wick station because I am not taking those risks anymore.

“It does affect you when you hear these things and you feel a little less safe.”

And another added: “I have stopped using my phone to tap out of the Wick [station] and I take my stuff out of my wallet and keep some stuff on me so if something happens on my way home I won't lose everything.”

There have been more reports on social media of more than ten alleged cases of muggings, robberies or assaults around Hackney Wick, Queen Elizabeth Park and the canals since December 21.

Victims have reported youths, either on BMX bikes or mopeds, approaching people during the day or night and either assaulting them or threatening them at knifepoint before stealing their belongings.

There have been other reports of ropes being tied across the canal paths in order to knock cyclists off their bikes so they can be mugged.

Police have confirmed that at least four of these incidents were investigated.

Sergeant Luke Clarke said he and his team, who only operate in the Hackney Wick ward, had increased patrols in their area as well as extending patrols around some canals.

But some residents disputed this and argued that they have seen no evidence of an increased police presence.

Seth Elton, who lives in a canal boat on the River Lea, said: “If people who live in the areas are saying they haven't seen them, it's not good enough for them to say 'well they probably aren’t looking hard enough'.

“If I'm cycling back every night at the time when these muggings are happening - and have never seen a police officer - then, to my knowledge, they are not doing enough.

“People in Hackney Wick are not going out at night – or past 8pm – because they are too scared to.

“I heat about two-three incidents each week. The police are so blasé about it and that is the problem.”

Sgt Clarke said that the safer neighbourhood team would advise people to not walk around with their phone out.

He added: “If anybody is concerned by a group of people hanging around maybe being intimidated then they should call 999 and the police will go down and check it out.

“We wouldn’t recommend you approach them yourself.”