Operation Ohio: Rogue traders targeted in Upton Park

Rogue traders flouting the law to sell counterfeit goods are being targeted in the next 24 hours in the latest enforcement crackdown on a square mile in Newham.

Council officers and police have teamed up to enforce phase three of Operation Ohio - placing high visibility patrols on the streets while conducting a series of searches and raids to tackle crime in a specific area.

Over the next 48 hours, the teams will be in the Upton Park area closing down local firms who are breaching their license terms and seizing illegal or counterfeit goods.

The latest phase began at 7.30am this morning with police officers acting on local intelligence to search premises under the Misuse of Drugs Act but no arrests were made.

High visibility patrols will also be issuing fines and notices for antisocial behaviour such as street drinking, spitting, garden and commercial waste, dog control, and fly-posting.

The DVLA will also be joining them to check parking and untaxed vehicles while enforcement officers will also be aiming to tackle food safety, planning infringement and housing tenancy compliance issues.

A total of 50 council officers will cover trading standards, enforcement, and housing and they will be joined by 29 Newham Section 92 police - officers paid for and tasked by the council.