Securing Estate's Safety – or Just Another Publicity Stunt?

 

Officers from Estate Safety attended a raid last week by Hackney Police’s Central Sector Team. The raid at 163 Trelawney Estate, E9 was part of Operation Southpaw and was carried out under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

 

On forcing entry, the police found a large quantity of crack cocaine and associated drugs paraphernalia such as micro-scales and packing for reselling the narcotics.

 

The living room had been turned into a “shop” with a letterbox used for serving customers. The small bedroom had a microwave for cooking the raw cocaine into crack.

 

Various weapons were found in the premises, including knives, golf clubs and chisels. One woman was removed and charged and no lawful tenant or occupier was present.

 

The flat was secured temporarily by a padlock and “screw-eyes”. On returning an officer from Estate Safety found that further drug dealers had broken in again.

 

After enlisting the support of another officer the address was visited again and two people were asked to leave. They agreed to do so after a short conversation.

The flat was repossessed and Hackney Building Maintenance took it over. The front door was secured by nailing it up and a large lock and chain was fitted to secure the gate. A permanent security door has also been installed.

Julius Nkafu, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Crime, said ” Hackney Council is determined to clamp down on anyone seeking to abuse our estates and disrupt the lives of everyone living there. We will continue to work with the police to stamp out the drugs trade in the borough.”