Ten person team costs over one million pounds
More than £1 million is being ploughed into keeping Hounslow Council’s part funded police team on track in its fight against anti-social behaviour and helping make the borough safer.
After a cabinet meeting last week, the council agreed to provide £1.1 million for the 10 strong team for another year.
Councillor Richard Foote, cabinet member for community protection said: “The team has made great strides in combating anti-social behaviour and in particular sex workers.
“This new money is an investment in residents’ security and quality of life.”
The team, which was set up with the local police in October 2011, has enjoyed significant success in the last year.
Its work tackling on-street sex work resulted in them making up 15 per cent of all cautions in the borough as part of the council’s work to help women escape from the sex trade.
Also, just one operation by the team led to 12 blue badges that were illegally used by parking cheats being confiscated.
Cllr Foote added: “While there has been some great work, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels, the people of Hounslow expect the council to continually improve its services and I expect even better results. We will be seeking to strengthen our supporting enforcement groups significantly over the next few months.
"Where prosecutions against drugs or prostitution in council homes are successful, we will immediately start eviction. We will not tolerate our property being used in this way.
"We urge residents if they are aware of any properties being used for these purposes, to please contact the police or the council immediately.”
September 17, 2014