COPS are cracking down on liquor louts’ in a two-week campaign in the streets of London’s yob-ridden East End. They are patrolling the drinking control zone’ in Whitechapel from today (Monday) with back-up from community support officers

By Victoria Huntley

COPS are cracking down on liquor louts’ in a two-week campaign in the streets of London’s yob-ridden East End.

They are patrolling the drinking control zone’ in Whitechapel from tonight (Monday) with back-up from community support officers.

The aim is to tackle anti-social behaviour over the next fortnight.

TACKLE DRUNKS

Families say there is an increasing street alcohol problem in the area, while a survey of stall-holders and businesses along Whitechapel Waste market has also highlighted the need to tackle drunks.

Chief Ins Nigel Nottidge said: “The approach is not just enforcement. It’s about working with Tower Hamlets council’s drug and alcohol team who’ll be on hand with support and advice to those with alcohol problems.”

Officers will be using the powers of the existing Whitechapel drinking control’ zone to deter street drinkers where problems are likely.

STAMP OUT

Tower Hamlets council’s crime and grime lead member Abdal Ullah said: “We’re using every tool at our disposal to stamp out anti-social behaviour and offer support to those who need it to help eliminate of the root causes.”

Officers have the powers to confiscate booze from anyone drinking on the street in the control zone along the Whitechapel Road which stretches from Vallance Road and New Road in the West to Brady Street the east, and south to Commercial Road from Adler Street and Cavell Street.

Other booze ban’ zones are also in operation in East London, including Dalston where residents are campaigning to have it extended.