In London, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has joined forces with the Enfield Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) and Havering Council, to share information and work more closely together in preventing crime in the area.
After signing the information-sharing protocol document, John Whyte, HM Revenue & Customs Head of London and National Detection Region, said: "We are delighted to join this partnership. As an intelligence-led organisation, we are always keen to work with other agencies to enhance our information-gathering capabilities, and fight crime more effectively."
Rob Leak, Chief Executive, Enfield Council, added: "We are sending a clear message to ‘would-be’ offenders that a number of agencies are all working together. By signing this protocol, HM Revenue & Customs is making a considerable contribution to our partnership."
Chief Superintendent Simon O’Brien, Metropolitan Police, Enfield Division said: "Through sharing information we greatly increase our chances of detection, producing evidence and dealing with serious crime. I am delighted that we have this vital protocol to help us."
The protocol document signed today sets out procedures for partnership agencies to make information requests and allow disclosure of information to each other. This can then be used to help prevent crime, anti-social behaviour and drugs misuse, and reduce the public’s fear of crime and disorder. HMRC is committed to tackling drugs, tobacco and alcohol smuggling.
A number of agencies are already signatories, including local councils, the Metropolitan Police Authority, local Police and London Fire Brigade Divisions, the Primary Care Trusts and the London Probation Service. The protocol document allows the sharing of information in accordance with the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
