I believe that a safe, strong and stable borough will lead to a more thriving local community. I want to create an environment where residents can live and work feeling secure and confident - I realise that fighting crime constitutes one part of the overall solution.

Crime has been reduced dramatically in the local area and is continuing to fall every year. In Tower Hamlets, crime has been cut by nearly 2% overall in 2007. Violence crime and gun crime have been reduced by much more than this.

But too many people still feel unsafe on the streets and in their own home because of anti-social behaviour and drugs-related activity. So we must do much more.  Community policing, working in partnership with local people, is effective in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.  But we must ensure that these Safer Neighbourhood Teams are given the resources they need to build upon this success.

We have one of the largest youth populations in the country.  I know that summer activities and high quality youth provision works and can help cut crime. I am campaigning for more funding and support for youth services for this area.

I believe the local residents, the community and voluntary sector can and do play a vital role in reducing crime so I will work hard to strengthen these partnerships and networks in our community.