Westminster Deploys New Task Force to Combat Anti-Social Behaviour
Innovative policing initiative aimed at reducing aggressive begging, street drinking, and drug use in central London.
In a robust move to address rising concerns of anti-social activities in central London, Westminster Council has initiated a dedicated task force composed of private officers to curb such behaviours.
This initiative, termed the Street Based Intervention (SBI), comes in response to increasing complaints from residents and businesses over aggressive begging, street drinking, and drug-related issues.
The council has empowered a six-member unit, fashioned similarly to policing bodies, to actively patrol areas prevalent with anti-social behaviour (ASB).
Their efforts will be supported by a sophisticated network of 100 mobile CCTV cameras strategically deployed across Westminster, capturing and highlighting hotspots of concern.
Starting operations in Victoria—a locality marked by persistent ASB—the SBI aims to restore a sense of safety and community that has been overshadowed by these disruptive activities.
Council Leader Adam Hug emphasised the importance of reclaiming public spaces, stating: "Our streets are to be shared and enjoyed by all our residents and should be welcome and safe for all who visit, shop, or work here."
The officers are not only tasked with enforcement but are also equipped with civil powers to issue community protection notices and, where necessary, impose court orders or fines.
Mr. Hug made it clear that while Westminster acknowledges the challenges of rough sleeping, only those without any connection to the area and engaging in ASB will face such measures.
Statistics highlight the urgency of these interventions, with recent reports from the charity The Passage citing 988 individuals observed sleeping rough in the borough - the most in any London district.
Mick Clarke, chief executive of The Passage, expressed strong support for the SBI team’s potential to protect vulnerable persons from criminal exploitation.
“The streets are a terrifying place to find oneself, not least because of criminals who prey on the vulnerability of people who are street homeless," Clarke noted, signifying collaboration between the council, charities, and other agencies.
This deployment is part of a broader mission to tackle the complexities tied to rough sleeping and offer precise assistance to those dealing with acute mental health or addiction issues.
The council’s comprehensive strategy aims to deter ASB and simultaneously address the root causes affecting some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
This initiative, termed the Street Based Intervention (SBI), comes in response to increasing complaints from residents and businesses over aggressive begging, street drinking, and drug-related issues.
The council has empowered a six-member unit, fashioned similarly to policing bodies, to actively patrol areas prevalent with anti-social behaviour (ASB).
Their efforts will be supported by a sophisticated network of 100 mobile CCTV cameras strategically deployed across Westminster, capturing and highlighting hotspots of concern.
Starting operations in Victoria—a locality marked by persistent ASB—the SBI aims to restore a sense of safety and community that has been overshadowed by these disruptive activities.
Council Leader Adam Hug emphasised the importance of reclaiming public spaces, stating: "Our streets are to be shared and enjoyed by all our residents and should be welcome and safe for all who visit, shop, or work here."
The officers are not only tasked with enforcement but are also equipped with civil powers to issue community protection notices and, where necessary, impose court orders or fines.
Mr. Hug made it clear that while Westminster acknowledges the challenges of rough sleeping, only those without any connection to the area and engaging in ASB will face such measures.
Statistics highlight the urgency of these interventions, with recent reports from the charity The Passage citing 988 individuals observed sleeping rough in the borough - the most in any London district.
Mick Clarke, chief executive of The Passage, expressed strong support for the SBI team’s potential to protect vulnerable persons from criminal exploitation.
“The streets are a terrifying place to find oneself, not least because of criminals who prey on the vulnerability of people who are street homeless," Clarke noted, signifying collaboration between the council, charities, and other agencies.
This deployment is part of a broader mission to tackle the complexities tied to rough sleeping and offer precise assistance to those dealing with acute mental health or addiction issues.
The council’s comprehensive strategy aims to deter ASB and simultaneously address the root causes affecting some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
