Locals in an “lawless town” say that they are responsible for policing themselves, as the police officers do not patrol the streets.
Ealing Council calls Hanwell, in West London, a hidden gem with “very strong community spirit.”
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Now residents and businesses have claimed that drugs are responsible for the destruction of this neighborhood. Some addicts have been accused of defecating and yelling vile insults at kids in the streets.
The police have launched an offensive, targeting drug dealers and raiding dens. Locals believe that more can be done for their community.
The online Help for Hanwell resource was created by two women from the locality to raise awareness of issues that are prevalent in this area. They regularly upload photos of suspected drug dens, addicts, and other suspects.
The police are not present on the street, so they feel that it is up to locals who share the same views to take care of the problem.
Talking to My London The women claimed that both had been threatened. One woman stated: “There’s no sign at all of community police in the area.”
According to the women, their area has declined over the past 30 years because of drug-related crimes and issues.
They are becoming violent.
“We need more presence of the police, more deterrents. It shouldn’t just be when someone is threatened with a knif or golf club that they act.”
A woman said, “I had a 9-year-old girl have a drug addict scream at her that she would kill her while sleeping.”
Although they lauded the efforts of some local officers, more was needed to assist locals.
“There is a PCSO named Josh who’s amazing.” One said. He communicates and responds to my calls, but is on his own.
Also, traders from the surrounding area expressed their concern. Raj runs a repair shop for computers in the city. He said, “I am so frustrated by people shouting and banging, coming in and going out.” [the] door. “I have called the police at least 20 times.”
Moniker Solinska works at The Big Bites Cafe, near Hanwell Clocktower. She said, “I’ve seen people pull up outside.” [the flats] Shouting at the window [for drugs].
Every day, people steal at the bus stops. Hanwell is no longer the same, you must now watch your bags every time you go out.
It can be scary, particularly in winter.
She continued: “I am not content here.” I’m leaving the area. The area is too dangerous. There have been robberies and there are also drug dealers. “We don’t feel secure.”
Residents were also recently sent a letter by Cllr Polly Knewstub and signed by Cllr Yoel Gorden, Cllr Monica Hamidi and Cllr Polly Knewstub saying that there is “no easy fix” for the Hanwell Broadway.
The letter stated: “We know the pain that antisocial conduct causes and we wish everyone in Hanwell to be safe.”
There are no easy solutions to street drinking, addiction and homelessness.
The only way we can truly help our residents is to provide them with the assistance they require (as well deploying the sanctions available to the Police).
The Met acknowledged that street drinking, antisocial behavior and public order offenses are of particular concern in this area. They added, “enforcement actions have been ongoing, and led to many arrests and the issue of fixed-penalty notices for a variety of offences, ranging from drunk and unruly, to breaches of criminal behaviour orders.
The spokesperson said: “Early Intervention Scheme Warnings, Community Protection Notice warnings and Community Protection Notices will be regularly sent to street drinkers who are causing antisocial behavior.
“Regular partnership work with outreach team to assess needs of individuals and provide housing assistance, [and] Our plan, vision and community work also includes support for those who are alcohol dependent.
Met says its Hanwell police local plan is a “vision that covers both short-term and long-term goals”.
High-visibility police patrols will be used in the short run, while the Met will “review the licensed premises of that area in order to verify they are in compliance with the prevention of criminality and disorder objectives” in the long run.
Inspector Leigh Ballard from the Ealing Safer Neighbourhoods team’s strand on West Area, said: “My team of police officers and staff on the Safer Neighbourhoods team in Hanwell work tirelessly to support and deliver for the local community and all the residents.
We work with Ealing Council. Recently, we have seen some positive results on social media. However, there are still concerns and work that needs to be done. I strive to deliver results for Hanwell.”
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