Barking and Dagenham Council’s Community Safety Enforcement led a multi-agency operation last week to tackle a range of issues such as anti-social behaviour, illegal waste carrying and immigration issues.
On the morning of Tuesday 21 April, council officers from Community Safety Enforcement, CCTV and Environmental Enforcement joined forces with Immigration Enforcement and Police officers following ongoing concerns raised by local businesses and residents in Barking.
This was the third joint operation in the area since August and it delivered several positive outcomes, including:
- Two Fixed Penalty Notices to be issued for offences in relation to smoke free vehicles
- Two vehicles found to be transferring waste without a valid waste carrier licence, with enforcement notices served
- Nine individuals arrested by immigration enforcement following checks
- Two houses searched following initial enquiries and four passports seized
Director of Enforcement, Regulatory Services and Community Safety, Keith Stanger said: “This operation shows the value of partners working together to respond to the concerns of our residents and businesses. By taking coordinated action, we can tackle a range of issues that affect quality of life and help keep our town centres safe, lawful and welcoming.”
Chief Immigration Officer, Mark Toulson, said: "We will not tolerate anyone illegally staying or working in our communities, which why we have surged enforcement action to record levels.
"With so many partners working together, this operation sends a clear message – if you flout our rules, we will track you down and ensure you face the full force of the law."
Superintendent Biju Premnath said: “Our priority in Barking is to deal robustly with activity that causes harm in the community. These joint operations allow us to identify those who are breaking the law, disrupt organised and opportunistic offending, and provide reassurance to residents and businesses that their concerns are being acted upon. Visible, targeted enforcement like this is a key part of keeping our communities safe and maintaining public confidence.”
The council will continue to work closely with partner agencies to carry out targeted enforcement activity and address issues that matter most to local communities.