Feeling safe on our streets is the prerequisite to building community and a good life. That's why one of my priorities, as your MP and Solicitor General is making our streets safer. 

Businesses cannot thrive if they and their customers are constantly worried about theft and scams; parents won't give their kids the independence to grow if they are worried about whether it is safe for them to take the bus alone; women and girls can't be confident while they fear walking home at night.

Phone snatching has become a particular scourge locally. I've lost count of the number of residents who have shared stories with me of phone snatching on our high streets.

It seems criminals are after not just hand sets, but access to people's data and banking. Ian, a resident in East Finchley, told me this weekend how an offender on a moped tried to swipe his phone whilst he was texting his family on the walk home from the tube. 

Sarah Sackman says she has lost count of the number of residents who have their phones snatchedSarah Sackman says she has lost count of the number of residents who have their phones snatched (Image: Betty Laura Zapata)

Sadly, London is an epicentre for phone theft. The numbers tell the story. Police report the highest level of "theft from the person" offences recorded in two decades, according to the most recent official figures for England and Wales.

This type of crime — where items are taken without the threat or use of violence — includes pickpocketing and phone snatching.

In East Finchley and the Garden Suburb, phone snatching is up by 40% on last year. And behind the stats are the human stories.

Being pickpocketed or mugged, is scary, violating and expensive. It corrodes trust - we must not allow this to become the new normal.

We know what the problem is. It's up to us in Government to provide solutions.

First, make sure you report the problem straight away. Our local officers have emphasised that prompt reporting is vital to catching the culprits.

Second, the Government is urging phone companies to implement measures to permanently disable phones once they have been stolen, so that they cannot be sold on in the second-hand market.

Third, prevention rather cure must be the focus. This means investing in greater police numbers, tackling organised crime and enhancing youth provision through establishing youth hubs. These are all key parts of my Government's agenda.

So, over the next few weeks, I will be going into areas of high crime rates in my constituency to convene key stakeholders.  

I will be meeting with residents associations, school leaders and the police to stress the need for a collective effort so we can make safer streets in our community a reality.

  • Sarah Sackman is Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green.