Following receiving reports, Barking and Dagenham Council, in partnership with the Home Office, and Metropolitan Police, devised a coordinated operation to disrupt the persistent antisocial behaviour happening at Wickes in Barking.
On the morning of Monday 11 August, council officers from Community Safety Operations (CCTV & Community Safety Enforcement), Environmental Enforcement, Trading Standards and Outreach Services, joined forces with UK Border Agency and Police officers to address mounting concerns from local businesses and residents. Reports included fly-tipping, loitering, cash in hand workers and general public safety concerns.
Just before 8.30am, officers entered Wickes car park and found up to 30 individuals loitering.
The Home Office Immigration Officers alongside the Police checked the details of the individuals, resulting in 16 people being given orders to disperse and three arrests.
- Two people were arrested by Home Office Immigration Enforcement Officers
- One person was arrested for an immigration related offence by the Police
An eight-hour Dispersal Order was issued, meaning anyone returning to the area within that time faced arrest.
Environmental Enforcement Officers inspected vehicles to ensure they had the proper paperwork for carrying waste and supported the Street Cleansing team removing fly-tipped waste from the site. These officers issued 12 fines for environmental health and health & safety offences.
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: "This joint operation reflects our commitment to listening to residents and businesses and working together with partners to keep our communities safe and welcoming for everyone.
“We’re grateful to our partners for their support and will continue to take proactive steps to ensure that public spaces are used responsibly and respectfully."
HM Inspector, North East London Immigration, Compliance and Enforcement Team, Kate Gardner, said: “This operation demonstrates the strength of collaborative enforcement and intel sharing, and sits on top of our action to combat illegal working, with operations and arrests up by 50%.
“By working closely with local authorities and police, we are able to respond swiftly to public concerns and address immigration offences in our communities to uphold the integrity of our borders.”
Acting Chief Inspector Carroll Weeden said: “As part of our summer plan to address anti-social behaviour and crime at the retail park and Barking Town Centre, neighbourhood policing teams worked in partnership with the local authority and Home Office. This resulted in 16 dispersal notices being issued and one arrest related to immigration.
“Further action, including the issuing of community protection warnings, is planned. Police patrols and engagement with local businesses will continue, supported by a series of pre-planned operations throughout the summer.
“We encourage residents to report any anti-social behaviour or crime to their local policing teams.”
The council will be looking to arrange further similar operations in the future.