In a bid to combat antisocial behaviour in Barking Town Centre, council enforcement officers and the police teamed up to patrol key hot spots.



The day of action saw council officers and the police split up in three groups and deployed to the Abbey Ruins, East Street, Fishnet Roundabout and other surrounding areas. 



Throughout the day, two patrols took place from 2 to 3.30pm and 4 to 5.30pm at all three locations.



Police officers also supported council officers to patrol and enforce the Public Space Protection Order in Barking Town Centre, which prohibits antisocial behaviour such as spitting, urinating and consuming alcohol in public. 



These patrols resulted in eight alcohol seizures, three begging warnings, a welfare case discussed and two spitting warnings. 



Andy Opie, Operation Director for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “These joint operations show the public that the police and council are working together to combat crime and antisocial behaviour.



“We will continue to work with the police to address these issues and ensure our borough is a safe place for all to work and live.



On top of this, the council also supported the police’s Op Scantic, which was taking place at Barking station, by funding a police dog. The operation resulted in:



•    Three arrests (Wanted by court for failing to appear for disqualified driving, possession of a knife and Class B drugs and possession of Class C drugs)

•    151 incidents of stop and search

•    19 drug offences 

•    2 sources of Criminal intelligence gathered  

Inspector Mel Baker from the East Area Metropolitan Police said: “This highlights that working in partnership with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, carrying out joint initiatives like Op Scantic we can tackle the anti-social behaviour on our local streets”.

As part of the action day, a Covid Response Officer joined the patrols to ensure that businesses and residents were following the rules. They reported that:

•    One pharmacy was given advice on social distancing and ensuring mask compliance within the store. 

•    One takeaway shop was given advice in relation to screens between staff and customers. 

•    One written warning was issued to a business in Longbridge Road, Barking. 

•    One shop which was recently ordered to close was visited after it had reopened and was now fully complying with regulations. 

To show a united front to residents, Barking and Dagenham Council and the police will be looking to do more of these action days in the future.