Team in war on night crime

09 March 2010

WAR has been declared on Newham's night-time crime economy.

Police, the council and immigration oficers are working together.

The team's first operation raided nine chicken shops and arrested nine people for immigration offences.

A spokeswoman for Newham Police said the employers in those premises were prosecuted and fined up to £10,000 per illegal employee. If unpaid, the premises will be closed permanently.

Det Insp John Cushions said: "We identified the shops as ongoing crime and anti-social behaviour generators. We hope this sends a strong message to other premises, that illegal behaviour of this kind will not be tolerated."

Pubs and clubs have also been under scrutiny with six licences called in for review and one pub having its licence revoked.

A two-day alcohol-related violent crime day also resulted in six arrests.