Residents in Vincent Square are facing open drug dealing on their streets and inside their buildings, a Westminster councillor has said. He has now called for tougher action against those supplying drugs and exploiting vulnerable people.
Councillor Ben Sewell, who represents Vincent Square ward, told a council meeting that crime and anti-social behaviour were causing significant problems in the area, with the dealing leaving residents intimidated and distressed.
Living next to a property used for drug dealing can mean constant disturbances from people trying to get into the building, he said, and residents sometimes find people incapacitated in communal areas.
He also spoke about the impact of persistent rough sleeping, which can lead to problems such as people defecating in private spaces. He added that pedicabs were “increasingly becoming a problem” in the ward.
Responding, Councillor Caroline Sargent set out what the administration is doing to tackle the problems. She pointed to Operation Verena, a joint police operation that led to 11 arrests for drug dealing in October, as well as Community Protection Notices and Criminal Behaviour Orders.
Westminster Council has also used closure orders on drug-related premises and secured four “respect orders”, a new power the council has utilised, she said.
Cllr Sargent stressed the importance of partners sharing intelligence and coordinating operations. She announced new weekly operational meetings where they will share intelligence, identify emerging issues and coordinate activity in real time.
Cllr Sewell ended by calling for a city that works for all, with safe streets where people feel secure in their homes and when they are out and about.
