Reassurance Issued over Drugs on Estate

Authorities respond after murder in Brentford Towers

Following a fatal shooting on the Brentford Towers estate the authorities are taking steps to reassure the local community that they are committed to making the area safe.

Superintendant Simon Phipps, of Hounslow Police, said, “We are aware from speaking to the local community that there are concerns about the use of drugs and drugs related criminal behaviour in the area. We can reassure residents that local police, Hounslow Council and Hounslow Homes, are doing everything possible to rid the estate of crime and drug crime in particular."

The Hounslow Community Safety Partnership is a collaboration of agencies in the borough, including the Council, the Police and Hounslow Homes.

Police officers have been carrying out extra patrols on the Brentford Towers estate, alongside Hounslow Homes’ neighbourhood wardens, to speak to residents and reassure them. In addition, the Community Safety Bus has been on the estate to provide information and an opportunity for residents to discuss their concerns.

Following consultation with the community, Brentford Safer Neighbourhoods team made tackling drug crime a priority in April 2006. Superintendant Phipps says that the team has worked hard to remove drugs and drug offenders from the Haverfield / Brentford Towers estate. Since April 2006, they have arrested 49 people for drug offences, mostly dealers for possession with intent to supply, and have closed a crack house where people were using and distributing drugs. He stressed the importance of residents telling the police about their concerns and reporting any incidents.

Mark O’Brien, Hounslow Homes’ east area antisocial behaviour team leader, said, “Hounslow Homes and the Police are working closely to reassure residents on the Brentford Towers Estate of their safety. CCTV is in all the buildings and footage has been given to the police to assist in their investigations. We work hard to tackle anti-social behaviour on estates, and we are committed to upgrading security for our tenants. In addition, concierge staff will receive further training on community safety issues of allowing access to non-residents in residential buildings. "

Anyone with any information about criminal activity within the estates should contact Brentford Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 020 8712 2533. Residents should also contact Hounslow Homes ASB team if they would like to report any incidents of harassment or antisocial behaviour on freephone 0800 085 6575.

Anyone with information about the murder of Dean Tully should call the Incident Room at Sutton police station on 0208 721 4165 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The officer in charge of the inquiry is DCI DCI Mick Duthie, Homicide & Serious Crime Command.

February 1, 2007