The Safer Ealing Partnership continues to adopt a direct approach in their fight against drugs in Ealing Borough.

 

In January 2004, Part 1 of the Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) Act 2003 gave police new powers to authorise the closure of premises used for unlawful drug use. This power can only be used in consultation with local authorities.

 

Ealing Borough Police implemented these new powers on Friday 10th March at 17 Connaught Road, West Ealing.

 

Over the last couple of months the quality of life and daily routines of the residents in Connaught Road, the Green Man Estate and West Ealing have been severely disrupted by anti social behaviour activities and suspected drugs use from No 17. The disturbance was so great that local residents contacted the police and council over a period of time with detailed accounts of their experiences, observations and complaints in relation to the address.

 

In the early morning of Wednesday 1st February Ealing Borough Police executed a drugs search warrant at the house. A quantity of Class A Drug Heroin, was seized along with two imitation handguns, some blank ammunition and a 6� Hunting style knife.

A fifteen year-old male, not present at the time of the search warrant, was immediately circulated as wanted in connection with the items located at the premises. He was was spotted a week later in a vehicle in Carlton Gardens. The boy was arrested for drugs possession with intent to supply and firearms offences. He was bailed until 29th March 2006 pending analysis of the drugs and firearms located on the premises.

 

This intelligence combined with the invaluable information received from the community proved pivotal to enabling the partnership to implement this new power under the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003.

On 23rd February 2006 police officers attended Ealing Magistrates court in the hope of obtaining a closure order on the address. The lawful occupiers attended the hearing and contested the order application, but finally on 6th March officers were granted the closure order.

 

On Friday 10th March 2006, Ealing Borough Police entered the house and successfully evicted the residents. Two adults and five children were present. No arrests were made during the issue of the closure order. 20 officers were involved in the operation.  Contractors have now secured the premises against re-entry by any person or resident. An application will then be made to the Magistrates court to lift the closure order on the premises. Failure to comply with the closure order could lead to residents or unauthorised occupants of the premises receiving a fine or up to six months in prison.

 

Drugs use and supply is damaging to our community, so if you want to help make a difference to your area, you can provide information to Police by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. Teams in place at present across the borough are as follows:

 

Dormers Wells Ward     020-8649-3572

Ealing Broadway Ward     020-8649-3573

East Acton Ward       020-8721-2708

Northolt West End       020-8721-2770

Norwood Green Ward     020-8721-2046

South Acton Ward       020-8649-3574

Southall Broadway Ward     020-8721-2771

Southall Green Ward     020-8721-2047

 

If you reside in an area that has not already received a Safer Neighbourhoods Team and wish to report any drugs activity or antisocial behaviour you can do so by contacting the

 

Ealing Borough Police ( Non Emergency Telephone Number ) 020-8246-1212

 

Or

 

Via E-Mail to : ealingintelligence-xb@met.police.uk

 

Or

 

Alternatively please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111

 

In an Emergency always dial 999.

 

 

Detective Constable Kori Davis, Ealing Borough Police, stated

 

� Closing these types of premises and removing the resident or residents indefinitely is vitally important to people living in the local area, as it improves people's quality of life by helping to reduce crime and disorder in the area.

 

As ever, the positive outcome of this operation would not been possible without members of public providing Police with information and together with them we will make Ealing Borough a safer place.

 

We will continue to work closely with our partners and community in the area to tackle drug activity and the criminal and anti-social behaviour that go with it and continue to enforce Part 1 of the Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) Act 2003 where necessary.�

Natasha Fearon, Head of Temporary Accommodation, Acton Housing Association, said:

�We are determined to tackle anti social behaviour within the community by working in partnership with the police and other agencies.�

 

 

March 15, 2006