Council and Police target anti-social behaviour
Street drinking and begging were targeted at a number of anti-social ‘hot spots’ in the borough in a joint operation by Hackney Council and Police.
A team, made up of 10 police officers, four Community Safety Enforcement Officers and five Council Wardens visited Narrow Way, Mare Street, Broadway Market, London Fields, Stoke Newington Road, Gillett Square, Albion Grove and Albion Parade on August 28.
During the first operation the team seized alcohol and had to ask nine people to leave an area. Thirteen Anti Social Behaviour Warning Notices were issued for begging and/or street drinking. There was one arrest of a repeat offender, and the Council will now apply to the court for an ASBO. All of these people are being referred to the Drug Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) for further help and support.
Anti-social behaviour really can make it difficult for residents and businesses. It’s important that we do what we can to limit problematic street drinking and begging while making sure that we offer support to street drinkers. The police and wardens have been confiscating alcohol and helping the street drinkers to seek professional help. “We’ve still got work to do and we’re listening to residents about where to focus our efforts. We are targeting areas that residents have told us were ‘hot spots’ and we’re determined to make a difference.
Acting Sergeant Dominic Nye, from Dalston Neighbourhood Policing team said: "Our priorities for tackling anti-social behaviour related to street drinking and begging have been defined through consulting with residents. This is just one example of our commitment to tackle this issues and concerns raised by local residents. Only by working together can we make a real stand against this type of behaviour."
A local business owner in Mare Street, who didn’t want to be named said: “Street drinking is an issue and it causes problems. Because they are drinking they are very unpredictable and it can be very intimidating. Operations like this can only be a positive thing and hope the Council and Police do more.”