Operation Condor was borough wide
Police in Ealing have been involved in a major offensive against anti-social behaviour (ASB) and offences associated with licensing in town centres.
Officers worked in partnership with Ealing Council and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) during the 48 hour period of intensive activity.
During the operation, a total of 133 licensed premises were visited over the two days, including 31 betting shops and eight shisha smoking establishments.
A catering business in Southall agreed to immediately dispose of £20,000 worth of sandwiches and other food because Ealing Council’s regulatory services officers were concerned that they were not stored at the correct temperature and could pose a risk to health.
Ealing Council is investigating the matter further.
In total, the results were as follows:
13 arrests
52 x stop and search
117 x stop and account
47 x alcohol seizures in the controlled drinking zones
Six x Section 27 notices served (Section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 provides that a Constable in uniform can issue a direction to leave a locality to an individual aged at least 10 who is in a public place and who presents a risk of alcohol related crime and disorder. The effect of the order prohibits their return to the locality for up to 48 hours and failure to comply is an offence.)
Chief Inspector Colin Wingrove said: "We work on a daily basis to tackle ASB and crime associated with town centres which can have a huge impact on our local communities and businesses. Operation Condor has again been successful for us. It is our intention to continue to build on this work to make sure those managing licensed premises act responsibly for the benefit of all in the community”.
Ealing Council leader, Julian Bell said: “Licensing and food safety laws are in place to protect residents and we will target those not complying with regulations.”
Bob Gaiger, HMRC spokesperson said: “HMRC works closely with other agencies to ensure businesses comply with gaming duty regulations and protect legitimate businesses that abide by the law. We will not hesitate to pursue those breaching the regulations and urge anyone with information about someone committing this type of fraud to call the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000, or report it online at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/reportingfraud/online.htm.”
7th May 2013