OVER 120 Islington and Hackney officers have taken part in a cross-borough operation to reduce ASB (anti-social behaviour), disrupt crime and reassure the public on Friday 18 September.
The operation was made to target crime in and around the Blackstock Road area of Hackney and N4 areas. Officers and staff worked in partnership with Hackney and Islington Council and Hackney Homes.
Four vehicles were seized for driving without insurance, during the operation. Officers worked in partnership with Hackney and Islington Councils, Hackney Homes, officers from the Territorial Support Group (TSG), British Transport Police (BTP) and officers from the United Kingdom Border Force (UKBF).
Superintendent Jo Edwards, from Hackney borough, said: “Operation Red Kite is just one example of police working in partnership with partner agencies to crack down on criminal activity. By working closely with our neighbouring boroughs we are able to effectively tackle criminals operating in these areas.”
She continued: “We are committed to reducing gang crime, anti-social behaviour and other crimes which affect the day-to-day lives of the people who live and work in these areas.”
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Sophie Linden, said: “Operation Red Kite is an example of the excellent partnership we have with the police. Teams of officers targeted Blackstock Road to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and other issues affecting local people. By focussing on an area, we can also talk to business owners and remind them of what they should doing by law, and we can also act on tip-offs and local concerns. Together, we achieved some great results that have helped make Hackney a safer place for everyone.”
The 24-hour operation resulted in 11 arrests, for crimes such as theft, fraud, being drunk and disorderly, assault and various drug offences. Two more arrests were made for immigration offences. Weapon sweeps were also carried out in various areas of Hackney. A knife, a Samurai sword was seized and a member of the public handed in a hunting knife he found at a local bus stop in Blackstock Road, Hackney.
Crime prevention leafleting took place, offering advice to both local residents and visitors to the area. Officers from the Roads and Transport Policing Command carried out bike marking to help the public secure their property.
Six environmental health visits were conducted, with warning letters being issued and follow-up visits arranged where necessary. Four immigrations visits were made, resulting in two arrests from separate commercial premises. Seven illegal broadcast installations were removed from the Woodberry Down Estate by Hackney Homes, OfCom and police.
Blue badge checks were conducted in Blackstock Road, with one badge being seized due to fraudulent use. Seven Trading Standards visits were made. ‘Counterfeit Beats’ by ‘Dr Dre’ headphones were seized. The Islington local authority Anti-Social Behaviour Team carried out two address visits and issued two fines for incorrect disposal of litter.
Councillor Paul Convery, executive member for community safety, said: “This latest operation has clearly been a success, and reinforces our commitment to keep the pressure up against criminal networks and low-level criminality that blights residents’ lives. By working together and using a variety of tactics to unearth criminal activity, we can help support police to make our communities safer.”
