Zara Aleena murder – joint statement: BCU Commander for Redbridge & Leader of Redbridge Council - Stuart Bell & Jas Athwal

Our thoughts are with Zara Aleena’s family as they mourn the loss of their beloved Zara. Nothing that has happened today could have lessened their pain or brought back their child, but it is our sincere hope that they are now able to grieve, assured that the person responsible for their devastation cannot cause any more harm. 

 

The murder of Zara Aleena was a rare, unpredictable, and isolated incident committed by someone with an extensive offending history. Now, following his sentencing, we hope he will never be able to pose a threat to women again. 

 

Although the violent attack that ended Zara’s life was highly unusual, unfortunately, the deep-rooted misogyny that led the individual responsible to commit such a heinous crime is not. Women and girls must feel safe on our streets and that begins with a zero-tolerance approach to harassment, sexism and abuse.

 

Together our Council and Police teams are working on challenging a culture of misogyny that allows harassment and abuse to continue. Using a boroughwide network of CCTV and ANPR cameras, Enforcement, Engagement and Police teams, and proactive, targeted operations, we are making it clear to perpetrators of abuse that there is no place for them here.

 

In Redbridge, our Council and Police teams have worked closely to ensure local people feel safe on our streets, empower local communities and eradicate street harassment and abuse. Redbridge is the first Council in the country to extend our Public Space Protection Order in Ilford town centre to include catcalling and street harassment, and we are supporting undercover Police operations to catch perpetrators of this abuse.

 

Together the Police and Redbridge Council have organised a series of Women’s Safety Walks and Walk and Talk events where women and girls can join Police and Council officers and share valuable insights on locations they don’t feel safe so we can take joint action to remove obstacles and crack down on negative behaviours.

 

We have also created local safe spaces where women and girls who have experienced sexual assault, harassment or abuse can come and speak one-on-one with female experts, including a Police Officer, a Domestic Abuse Specialist, a Redbridge Housing Officer and an Immigration Lawyer. Safe2Talk events take place on the last Monday of every month at Fullwell Cross Library in Barkingside.

 

The murder of our neighbour Zara has shaken our community, but together we are reclaiming our streets and preventing violence against women and girls in our borough. Join our fight, share your insights, and help us challenge misogyny, harassment and abuse wherever it arises.

 

If you see something suspicious or have a concern, please call 101 or visit the Met website 

 

If you see a crime in progress or someone is in danger, please call 999.