Dispersal zone for St Raphael’s Estate in Neasden to fight gang crime
St Raphael's Estate is in Neasden (Pic credit: Google) - Credit: Archant
An entire housing estate in Neasden will become a dispersal zone in a crackdown on threatening gangs dealing drugs in the area.
St Raphael's Estate in Neasden, inside the red border, has been made a dispersal zone - Credit: Archant
The measure is being rolled out on the St Raphael’s Estate following a catalogue of complaints about groups of males blighting the lives of residents and traders through their activity.
The loitering gangs are claimed to be selling drugs, intimidating and harassing local businesses, and threatening violence to anyone who challenges them.
They are also said to be hurling abuse and fighting members of the public.
From Sunday until October 6, police and PCSOs will have the power to order suspicious groups of two or more to leave the area.
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If they refuse to leave or return within 24 hours they can be arrested and hauled before the courts where they can be fined a maximum of £2,500 or jailed for up to three months.
Chief Inspector Andy Jones said: “We are beginning to utilise these dispersal zones on a regular basis in order to remove individuals from areas where there are repeat incidents of anti social behaviour.
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“It has proved to be a successful tactic to reduce the nuisance and disorder.
“As usual we will now police the zone, in accordance with the law but also with a common sense approach.”
Cllr James Denselow, Brent Council’s lead member for stronger communities, added: “We will not tolerate criminal or anti social behaviour in our borough and in direct response to the concerns that have been raised by residents we are implementing a dispersal zone with Brent police which will prevent nuisance behaviour and help residents feel safer.”
