THEOs praised by residents for work in Rampart Street, Whitechapel

Tower Hamlets Enforcement Officers (THEOs) are continuing their work to improve residents’ quality of life, this month targeting youth anti-social behaviour in Rampart Street, Whitechapel.

Residents praised the THEOs for restoring peace after they were plagued by youths who loitered and caused disturbance by shouting, swearing, writing graffiti on the walls of private homes and engaging in drunken disorder.

At the end of last year the council decided to deploy the THEOs on regular patrols of the street, after receiving complaints from residents. The THEOs are a uniformed council service accredited by the Metropolitan Police Service. The team of THEOs were introduced to the borough in 2009 with a remit to combat community concerns about anti-social environmental and behaviour issues. They tackle illegal street trading, noise nuisance, street drinking, littering , dog fouling, littering, graffiti and fly posting. They have powers to seize alcohol and tobacco and request the name of a person acting in an anti-social manner.

During their patrols the THEOs obtained the youths' details and confiscated their alcohol. The youths were warned not to return to the area and their details were passed to the council’s antisocial behaviour investigation team for further action.

One Rampart Street resident explained: “It’s not something anyone wants outside their home. The disturbance happens regularly throughout the daytime and sometimes very late in the evening – it was very disturbing to me and my girlfriend when trying to sleep and relax. For the past few months we have been reporting to the THEOs every time the youths gather behind the building. The THEOs have been fantastic in responding to my reports, and it is massively reassuring to know that my concerns are being taken seriously.”

Another local resident, said: “Since the THEOs have been patrolling, the streets have been notably calmer and less intimidating. I now feel safe to invite friends and family without fearing they might get harassed by the youths. I am very grateful for the good work the THEO team are doing.”

THEOs are continuing to patrol the area and are working closely with residents and the SNT's to prevent further anti-social behaviour.

January 13, 2012