I am writing from personal fear and concern for my community. I frequently witness boys in balaclavas on bikes menacing people at around 7 am in the Leyton, Leytonstone, and Walthamstow areas, particularly preying on women who are alone. These phone muggings make me feel unsafe, and I cannot bear to see it continue to happen to people in my community. Reports of these incidents filter in daily on Facebook groups, signaling a disturbing trend that must be addressed.

The Waltham Forest Council and local police bear the responsibility of ensuring our safety. Yet, despite the obvious recurrence of these incidents, it seems sufficient action has yet to be taken.

It is vital that our law enforcement authorities ramp up their efforts to apprehend these perpetrators and devise strategies to prevent such activities from becoming a daily occurrence. Tightening our community's security is not an option, it is a necessity that directly affects our daily lives and our sense of safety.

This petition is a call to our local council and police force: Increase patrols, invest in surveillance, and prioritize our community's safety by tackling phone muggings in Leyton, Leytonstone, and Walthamstow. Make us feel safe again. Please sign this urgent appeal to action.