A joint operation targeting antisocial behaviour at a retail park resulted in three arrests and 12 fines.
Barking and Dagenham Council teamed up with the Home Office and the Metropolitan Police to tackle persistent issues at the Wickes car park in Barking.
Concerns had been raised by local businesses and residents about fly-tipping, loitering, cash-in-hand workers, and general public safety.
On the morning of Monday, August 11, officers from the UK Border Agency and various council departments descended on the area, uncovering up to 30 individuals loitering in the car park.
The Home Office Immigration Officers, alongside police, checked the details of those present, leading to three arrests and 16 dispersal orders.
Two of these arrests were made by Home Office Immigration Enforcement Officers, while the police arrested one person on suspicion of an immigration-related offence.
An eight-hour dispersal order was issued, meaning anyone returning to the area within that time faced arrest.
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “This joint operation reflects our commitment to listening to residents and businesses and working together with partners to keep our communities safe and welcoming for everyone.
“We’re grateful to our partners for their support and will continue to take proactive steps to ensure that public spaces are used responsibly and respectfully.”
HM Inspector, North East London Immigration, Compliance and Enforcement Team, Kate Gardner, said: “This operation demonstrates the strength of collaborative enforcement and intel sharing, and sits on top of our action to combat illegal working, with operations and arrests up by 50%.
“By working closely with local authorities and police, we are able to respond swiftly to public concerns and address immigration offences in our communities to uphold the integrity of our borders.”
Acting Chief Inspector Carroll Weeden said: “As part of our summer plan to address anti-social behaviour and crime at the retail park and Barking Town Centre, neighbourhood policing teams worked in partnership with the local authority and Home Office.
“This resulted in 16 dispersal notices being issued and one arrest related to immigration.
“Further action, including the issuing of community protection warnings, is planned. Police patrols and engagement with local businesses will continue, supported by a series of pre-planned operations throughout the summer.
“We encourage residents to report any anti-social behaviour or crime to their local policing teams.”
The council will be looking to arrange further similar operations in the future.
