The St Leonards Safer Neighbourhoods Team has had some recent results we want to publish widely. Although much of the ethos of the team is to create links with the community for good community relations and communications, actual on-the-ground results are another aspect and our team hasn't been slacking.
3 individuals were arrested for graffiti offences within the ward on 09/11/2006. One 15 year old admitted the crime and was given a reprimand (as a part of the borough youth justice process) The other 2 had no further action taken due to lack of proof (sadly the witness was reluctant to come forward and provide a statement). The 2 adults have come to notice since and been identified in more serious crimes for which enquiries are ongoing.
2 Premises in the Streatham High Road were raided on Thursday the 21st of November in a co-ordinated operation involving the Safer Neighbourhoods Team, the Streatham Task force and Local intelligence officers. A warrant was issued for handling stolen goods but it also transpired that a number of occupants at these premises were arrested on suspicion of being illegal overstayers, a quantity of drugs were found along with evidence and paraphernalia for other offences and enquiries are on-going. The St Leonard's SNT PC's and PCSO's were on hand and assisted with securing and searching the 2 premises. The SNT liased with local businesses and reassured business owner/managers and local residents as to police actions. Contacts already developed by the Safer Neighbourhoods Team made for a much smoother operation. A number of local residents and business people approached the SNT officers stated that they were not surprised that police acted. These people are encouraged to come forward in the future with area intelligence.
On another note, the team have had many such results, some small some more high profile such as the above. We've been able to agree a process for publicising team results without compromising enquiries or possible court cases so we should be able to feature these more often.
