It's Your Call
The Government's ASBO Chief Louise Casey and Mayor Jules Pipe witnessed a dramatic crack den raid first hand as a new, national 'It's Your Call' anti-social behaviour hotline was launched in Hackney.
Delighted local residents cheered as police closed the den. Three people were arrested, one for the alleged possession of crack which is now being investigated by the police.
The raid, at a Newlon Housing Association property at Prospect House, Ridley Road, follows complaints from residents about noise fron anti-social behaviour. A closure notice has now been granted at Thames Magistrate Court, barring the tenant from entering the flat for three months.
Mayor Jules Pipe congratulated the police and Crackdown team: 'Hackney Council is proud of its partnership with the police. The Crackdown project is an excellent example of how the police and Council have worked together to make the borough a safer and cleaner place to live and work.'
While the Crackdown campaign has shut more than 200 crack dens in Hackney, this new hotline is another addition to the arsenal of measures to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Mayor Pipe added: 'We want people to know that they can make a difference. We already have a hotline to report crack dens in confidence and now people can call this new number to report problems such as nuisance neighbours, vandalism or graffiti without fear of reprisal.'
Louise Casey said: 'Hackney has made a clear commitment to step up its response to anti-social behaviour and I want people in these areas to come forward and report what is bothering them. Make a call that makes a difference, and help make our communities better places to live.'
As part of the launch Louise Casey and Mayor Jules Pipe also visited the Somerford Estate, where the Council has recently closed two crack dens and had a dispersal zone. They spoke to local residents who gave evidence to close the dens. The 'It's Your Call' actionline number is 020 8356 3030.
Page updated: 28 Feb 2007