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‘Shocking’ figures reveal allegations of crime at Queen’s Hospital
Queen's Hospital - Credit: Archant
An MP has branded new figures detailing reports of hundreds of crimes at a hospital as “shocking”.
Romford MP Andrew Rosindell has called on Queen’s Hospital in Rom Valley Way, Romford, to up its security measures after a Freedom of Information request to police revealed the scale of the crime.
The figures reveal that 451 allegations of crimes, including seven sexual assaults and a rape, were reported between 2010 and 2014. But, rates have started to fall since 2013.
The figure eclipses the amount of crimes at King George Hospital in Goodmayes – where 57 alleged incidents were reported in the same period.
There have been 79 convictions as a result of the reported crimes, which include two incidents of possible art fraud.
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Mr Rosindell said: “It’s shocking that in a place like a hospital, where people should feel safe, crime is taking place on that scale.
“Management need to ensure that security is tightened because it’s patients, families and hospital staff that have to endure it.”
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The most prevalent allegation was theft with 245 incidents recorded. In July 2014 the Recorder reported an increase in jewellery thefts at the hospital since 2011.
The latest figures include 18 common assaults, 16 cases of criminal damage, seven racially aggravated harassments and assaults, a seized firearm and a dangerous dog.
Metropolitan Police are now looking at installing a dedicated patrols officer at the site.
A spokesman said: “There has been a significant drop in crimes over the past two years partly because of our partnership with the hospital and our extra patrols. We’re still looking at ways to make sure it’s as safe as possible.”
Healthwatch Havering director Ian Buckmaster said: “Queen’s is a big hospital in a central location and that’s why it’s always going to be a magnet for troublemakers. I’m not defending the hospital but it can’t help where it’s located.”
Queen’s head of security Sarah Jenkins said: “A significant amount of work takes place to keep our patients, staff and belongings safe, we work very closely with the police and we have experienced security teams who are very visible.”
