Westminster council deploys a team to combat anti-social behaviour and support vulnerable individuals in the area
London: A new team of officers is hitting the streets of Westminster to tackle yobbish behaviour. The council is stepping up to address issues like aggressive begging, street drinking, and drug use that have been making life tough for residents and businesses.
They’ve set up a six-person unit that will use 100 mobile CCTV cameras to spot trouble spots. The Street Based Intervention (SBI) team will start in Victoria, where they hope to make a real difference before expanding their efforts across the borough.
Council leader Adam Hug emphasized that everyone should feel safe and welcome in their own neighborhood. He pointed out that some folks are taking advantage of vulnerable people, and it’s time to take a stand against that.
The SBI officers will be issuing warnings and community protection notices for bad behaviour. They can even ban people from certain areas or hand out fines if needed. Plus, they’ll be addressing issues related to rough sleeping, which is a big concern in the area.
These officers aren’t just enforcers; they have experience with homelessness and city management. They’ll be helping those with serious addiction or mental health issues, aiming to provide the right support.
Mr. Hug noted that while Westminster has a high number of rough sleepers, many of them have other accommodations and don’t have strong ties to the city. The goal is to hold people accountable while ensuring that those in need get the help they deserve.
At the last count, there were 988 people sleeping rough in Westminster, the highest in any London borough. Mick Clarke from The Passage highlighted the dangers of the streets for vulnerable individuals and expressed support for the new ASB team, which aims to protect everyone in the community.
