Police in Lambeth and Lambeth Living are joining together in an innovative way to combat problematic tenants who are using their homes for illegal activity.
Since mid-October Lambeth Living’s Central Area Tenancy enforcement staff has been working with the Clapham Common Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) to identify breaches of tenancy. Together they have built joint cases for re-possessing properties to evict those abusing the privilege of social housing.
The Central Area Tenancy enforcement team manager along with the SNT Inspector jointly deliver an early morning briefing to Police and Lambeth Living staff before dawn raids take place.
Since the newly formed partnership began, proceedings to take possession of five of Lambeth Living’s properties are in motion. Further action is being coordinated to close two suspected commercial crack houses identified through the partnership work.
Terry Gallagher, Lambeth Living Deputy Chief Executive said “This is the first time this type of partnership working has taken place in Lambeth. Our staff will now be involved from the beginning in an operation; it is a privilege to be invited to work in this way, which is bringing positive results.”
Acting Inspector Lee Burgess said: "The Metropolitan Police is committed to tackling all of forms of crime and anti-social behaviour and will make sure we play our part in supporting and protecting members of our communities.
We are very pleased with this initiative taken with our partners, which will demonstrate to the few who act in an irresponsible manner that their actions have consequences.
"Through this innovative form of partnership work The Metropolitan Police Service and Lambeth Living will reduce crime and the fear of it in our communities".
If you suspect that a property is being illegally used to sell drugs contact Lambeth Living’s Central Tenancy enforcement team on 020 7926 6000 or email southarea@lambethliving.org.uk Alternatively contact Clapham Common Safer Neighbourhoods team on 0208 721 2623 or email them at ClaphamCommonSNT@met.police.uk or visit their web page: http://content.met.police.uk/Team/Lambeth/ClaphamCommon Based on information supplied by Samantha.
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