Operation Ohio: Focus on Forest Gate

Members of the council enforcement team raid a house linked to anti-social behaviour Picture: Justin Setterfield

Melissa York, Reporter Monday, February 11, 2013
3:05 PM

Four arrests were made last week as part of the council and police officers’ latest outing of Operation Ohio in Forest Gate.

Officers checking a tower block after a request from residents. Picture: Justin Setterfield

The two-day initiative is working its way around the borough focusing on crime and anti-social behaviour one square mile at a time.

Last week, Newham Council enforcement officers teamed up with Section 92 police officers - paid for by the local authority - to focus on the area around Woodgrange Road.

Three of the arrests were led by the UK Border Agency for visa irregularities and a further arrest was made in connection with a burglary investigation.

Trading Standards officers also seized a large quantity of alcohol from an unlicensed shop owner, skin lightening cream, counterfeit clothing, and t-shirt printing equipment from shops.

Members of the NHS Open Doors outreach team also joined the team to meet with 14 street sex workers, one of whom was put into emergency accommodation after she was allegedly assaulted.

For the first time, the British Transport Police took part by tackling fare dodgers at Wanstead Park station.

Eight rough sleepers and two anti-social youths were given warnings, the DVLA clamped 11 vehicles, and a disabled parking permit was surrendered to police.

Seven street drinkers also had their alcohol seized, 19 people were fined for littering, and 223 properties were given front garden waste notices.

Nick Bracken, director of enforcement and safety, said: “Having seen the preliminary results and figures, I believe the outcomes are something that we can rightly be proud of. The challenge now is making the next Operation bigger and better.”

Cllr Unmesh Desai, executive member for crime and anti-social behaviour, said: “Thanks to the coverage in the Newham Recorder of Operation Ohio, most people in the borough now know we are taking on bad businesses as well as people dumping rubbish and committing crime in our community.

“This has been a big help in getting our message out to the community.”