Safer Neighbourhoods Team use their new powers
The South Acton Safer Neigbourhoods team have taken advantage of new powers available to them to close down a crack house in Barrington Court on the South Acton estate. The action was made possible due to information provided to the police by local residents.
Working in conjunction with the Council they took this course of action on Saturday 5th November 2005 at Flat 52 Barrington Court, Cheltenham Place.
Over the last couple of months the quality of life and daily routines of the residents in Barrington Court had been severely disrupted by anti social behaviour and suspected drugs use from the flat. Local residents had contacted the police and council over a period of time with detailed accounts of their experiences.
On Tuesday 4th October 2005 Ealing Borough Crime squad in partnership with the South Acton Safer Neighbourhood team executed a drugs search warrant at Flat 52 Barrington Court, Cheltenham Place. A large quantity of drug paraphernalia and a number of offensive weapons were discovered. This intelligence combined with the invaluable information received from the community proved pivotal to enabling the partnership to implement this new power under the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003.
The closure notice was issued on Saturday 5th November 2005 to the residents of Flat 52 Barrington Court outlining that an application would be made for the closure of the premises to Ealing magistrates in the next 48 hours. On Monday 7th November 2005, officers from the South Acton Safer Neighbourhoods Team attended Ealing Magistrates court and were granted the closure order. Later that day officers successfully evicted the residents. Contractors have now secured the premises against re-entry by any person or resident. Failure to comply with the closure order could lead to residents or unauthorised occupants of the premises receiving a fine or up to six months in prison.
PS Derek Cowan South Acton Safer Neighbourhoods stated, "“Everyone has the basic right to enjoy their family home in peace, and using these new powers we will ensure that those people who deal in class A drugs are removed to allow people to get back to being able to live their lives in peace. As ever, the success of this operation would not be possible without members of public providing Police with information and together with them we will make South Acton a safer place”
Ealing Council Leader, Leo Thomson praised the residents of the estate and said that their actions were an example to others in how to successfully deal with anti-social behaviour.
November 16, 2005
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You can provide information to Police by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team. Teams in place at present in the area are as follows: South Acton Ward 020-8649-3574 If you reside in an area that has not already received a Safer Neighbourhoods Team and wish to report any drugs activity or antisocial behaviour you can contact the Ealing Borough Police (Non Emergency Telephone Number) 020-8246-1212 Via E-Mail to: ealingintelligence-xb@met.police.uk Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111 |