Council targets rogue mechanics in Northumberland Park enforcement action

Rogue mechanics operating in Northumberland Park have been targeted by Haringey Council after residents played a key part in sharing information to help tackle antisocial behaviour.

Our ASB Enforcement Team visited Somerford Grove, N17 in December after receiving numerous reports of rogue mechanics using the area to store untaxed vehicles and vehicle parts, and to carry out illegal repairs.

Residents reported that this had turned the area into a hotspot for other forms of antisocial behaviour, including waste dumping, street drinking, drug taking, and large groups of men congregating in the street. This had led to some residents, especially those with young children, feeling intimidated and avoiding the area.

The team carried out a joint operation with Northumberland Park Safer Neighbourhoods Police Team to address residents’ concerns.

Council enforcement officers issued two Community Protection Warnings to rogue mechanics in the area, requiring all illegal activities to cease and all dismantled cars, tools, equipment and waste to be removed from the street. The team also attached 10 formal notices to vehicles, structures and equipment found in the street requiring the owners to remove all the items within a specific period.

Meanwhile the police issued warnings to men found congregating in the street and carried out stop and search actions.

When council officers returned to inspect the area in January, the found that all waste and vehicles had been removed and there were no signs of antisocial behaviour – a great result for residents.

We are continuing to engage with the community to ensure that these improvements are sustained, and to devise long term solutions to other issued faced by residents. This is all part of our wider work with partners in Northumberland Park to tackle long standing crime and antisocial behaviour.

You can report antisocial behaviour in your area by using our secure online form.