A weekly joint police and council operation targeting a notorious street has already resulted in twelve arrests, the recovery of 26 stolen bikes and the issuing of 26 anti-social behaviour warnings in just three months.
Members of the council’s safer communities’ team and local police have carried out a variation of both high visibility and plain clothes patrols every Sunday in Sclater Street, in Brick Lane Market, to target anti-social behaviour, illegal trading, bike thefts and the sales of suspected stolen cycles.
The operation began in November and will continue to be reviewed alongside partners in view of maintaining future regular presence within the area.
So far, there have been twelve arrests for a variety of offences including burglary, going equipped to steal, possession of an offensive weapon, drug offences, theft of bikes, handling stolen goods, theft, recall to prison and breach of a community protection notice, 76 stop and searches, the seizure of 26 bikes, and the issuing of 26 ASB warnings and numerous fines.
Residents have also been pleased with the results so far.
One said: “There has been a noticeable improvement in the antisocial behaviour that we have been experiencing outside our main entrance since the start of proactive monitoring by THEOs, market officers and police at the end of November 2022.
“We appreciate the ongoing efforts of the TH ASB team in making this happen.”
Police sergeant Alvaro Aracena-Fuentes added: “We have seen a noticeable decline in the number of criminals handling stolen goods and illegal traders in the area during these operations.
“We are, of course, under no illusion that our work here is done, and that is why we will be continuing to carry out patrols in the area send a clear message to criminals that we will find you, and we will prosecute you.”
Cllr Ohid Ahmed, cabinet member for safer communities, added: “This shows the value of the police and council listening to residents and working together to find solutions.
“A massive thank you to the police and council staff who have given up their Sundays to make this such a success.”
Posted on Monday 13th March 2023