More than 100 arrests have been made as police and council enforcement officers carried out a crackdown on crime and antisocial behaviour in Southall.
The action followed serious concerns raised by local residents and businesses about issues affecting parts of the town centre.
In response, Ealing Council, the Metropolitan Police, the NHS and other local services have been carrying out an ongoing operation in Southall. They have been working together to better understand what is happening, take action where required and support people who most need help.
The council increased patrols through its Parkguard service, used CCTV to help identify and respond to incidents, and supported the police.
The joint operation resulted in weapons being found and seized, and offenders being recalled to prison or facing court action.
What the operation found
The work showed that residents’ concerns reflected genuine issues that need action. However, it also showed that there were multiple causes for the problems, and it did not have a simple explanation.
The joint operation identified a number of repeat offenders who have been responsible for a disproportionate amount of the antisocial behaviour causing concern to residents.
This has led to criminal investigations, prison recalls, injunctions, dispersal powers and other enforcement measures designed to protect the wider community and prevent further offending.
The work also uncovered a number of vulnerable people who needed support.
Enforcement not enough on its own
Through the council’s Parkguard service, almost half of the people identified during this work were assessed as vulnerable, with many experiencing homelessness, addiction, poor physical or mental health, or difficult housing circumstances.
This highlights why enforcement alone will not solve every issue identified.
Alongside action against offenders, partners are continuing to provide outreach, treatment, safeguarding and support to help people access the services they need.
Targeted response to concerns
Councillor Jasbir Anand, the council’s cabinet member for tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, said:
“Southall deserves to be a safe, welcoming place for everyone who lives, works and visits here.
“Residents and businesses raised serious concerns, and we acted. Working with the police and our partners, the operation has resulted in more than 100 arrests, the seizure of weapons, prison recalls, and a range of enforcement action targeting those responsible for crime and antisocial behaviour.
“This work has helped identify offenders causing harm, and also vulnerable people in need of support. We will continue taking robust action against criminal and antisocial behaviour, while working with partners to make Southall a safer place for everyone.”
Superintendent Sean Lynch, from the Metropolitan Police, said:
“Our officers have been carrying out targeted activity in Southall to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour and keep local people safe.
“We will continue working closely with Ealing Council and other partners, using local intelligence and information from residents to focus our efforts where they can have the greatest impact.
“If you see a crime taking place or there is an immediate risk to someone’s safety, call 999. For non-emergency concerns, information or intelligence about criminal activity, contact police on 101 or report it online. Information from residents plays a vital role in helping us take action against those causing harm in our communities.”
