Is Plaistow South safe?

Current local priorities

• Plaistow South Ward has recently experienced a number of concerning incidents involving young people becoming unwell after using vape devices suspected to contain controlled drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids (commonly referred to as Spice) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Subsequent enquiries indicate that these vape-style devices are being sold over the counter from a number of retail premises operating within the ward area. There are growing concerns that the products are being marketed and sold in a manner that does not adequately identify their contents, resulting in young people purchasing and using them without fully understanding the significant health risks associated with controlled substances. The sale and supply of vape products containing THC, Spice or other controlled drugs presents a serious risk to public safety and may constitute offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, as well as other legislation relating to the supply of controlled substances and the sale of age-restricted products. Of particular concern is the potential accessibility of these products to children and young people, who may be especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of such substances. A number of individuals have reportedly suffered adverse reactions after using these products, highlighting the immediate safeguarding risks posed to the local community. The potential for serious illness, hospitalisation and longer-term health consequences makes this an issue of significant concern for police, Trading Standards, public health partners and local residents. As a result, joint investigations are currently being conducted by Plaistow South Neighbourhood Policing Team and Trading Standards to identify the premises involved, establish the extent of the offending and take appropriate enforcement action against those responsible for the sale and supply of controlled drug vape products. This problem represents a significant community safety concern due to the risks posed to young people, the unlawful supply of controlled drugs and the potential harm being caused to the wider public. A coordinated problem-solving approach is therefore required to disrupt the sale of these products, protect vulnerable persons and reduce the associated risks within the community.
• Plaistow South Ward continues to experience a long-standing and complex problem relating to squatting, vulnerability and associated anti-social behaviour. The issue originated at the condemned Balaam Leisure Centre, where a large-scale squat had become established. Following a recent multi-agency eviction involving Police, the Local Authority, Animal Welfare and other partner agencies, in excess of 50 individuals were displaced from the premises. Subsequent enquiries indicate that many of those displaced have relocated to an existing squat operating from a commercial building on Barking Road, adjacent to Plaistow Police Station. Since the displacement from Balaam Leisure Centre, local residents have reported an increase in anti-social behaviour, low-level criminality, nuisance, environmental concerns and community safety issues linked to the addresses. The ongoing activity is having a detrimental impact on neighbouring residents and businesses and has become a persistent issue affecting the wider local community. A coordinated multi-agency response is therefore required to address the associated criminality, community harm, safeguarding concerns and underlying vulnerabilities contributing to the problem.
• Neighbourhood Policing Teams are working closely with Newham General Hospital and partner agencies following intelligence relating to a suspected organised crime group (OCG) operating within the area. Officers have been made aware of a pattern of theft from motor vehicles, specifically targeting catalytic converters, affecting multiple locations. A number of incidents have been reported across: Newham General Hospital site Newham Leisure Centre Surrounding residential streets The consistency in location, method, and frequency of these offences suggests the presence of a coordinated and prolific group actively targeting vehicles within the ward. This issue has been identified as a developing neighbourhood priority, due to the financial impact on victims and the wider effect on community confidence. In response, officers are: Conducting targeted patrols in affected areas, including hospital and leisure centre sites Working in partnership with site security teams to improve prevention and reporting Gathering and developing intelligence to identify and disrupt offenders Engaging with the community to provide crime prevention advice and reassurance This proactive and partnership-based approach aims to disrupt offending, safeguard vulnerable locations, and reduce the risk of further offences within the ward.