Officers of The
Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch Bow Road Stables and Tower Hamlets Safer
Neighbourhoods Team joined forces with the Royal Air Force Police and The Horse
Trust to arrange a day trip to the horse retirement home in the panoramic
Chiltern Hills.
The Home of Rest
shelters more than 100 elderly horses, donkeys and ponies, many of which have
retired from police and army service. The guests were given a special guided
tour, led by Horse Trust chief executive and resident veterinary surgeon Paul
Jepson.
Safer Neighbourhoods
Sergeant Paul Johnson said: “Senior citizens in Tower Hamlets live in the heart
of the inner city, just about as far removed from leafy Buckinghamshire as it’s
possible to get. As well as being an enjoyable day out for them, it gives us
the opportunity to get across an important crime reduction message in a friendly
and relaxed atmosphere.”
Members of the RAF
Police hosted a lunch at the High Wycombe Sergeants Mess before the tour of the
Home of Rest where Army horse Sefton - injured by the IRA in the Hyde Park
bombing – spent his last years.
Sgt Johnson said:
“The guests are all in a position to cascade crime reduction information and a
reassurance message amongst their peer group. During the day, participating
officers will give practical advice on how to reduce the risk of burglary and
will give out crime reduction packages containing literature, alarms and light
timers.
“We want to educate
and reassure people about the risks they face – not frighten them. Many elderly
people suffer a disproportionate fear of crime and some sensible tips and simple
measures can make them feel safer. The event also heralds a push by the Tower
Hamlets Safer Neighbourhoods Team to reach out to elderly residents across the
Borough.
