'Action from the top' needed to tackle Harefield yobs
THE chairman of Harefield Neighbourhood Watch has called for 'action from the top' to tackle anti-social behaviour in Harefield.
Dozens of people gathered at a recent meeting of the group to talk about how their lives have been blighted by yobs.
Paul Stone, who was chairing the discussions, said his heart went out to many of the families.
He said: "It is absolutely disgraceful that people have to live in fear in their own homes.
"It is the worst I have ever known it, some of the things they have had to put up with."
The Gazette has reported on a string of incidents of anti-social behaviour in recent weeks.
Last month, police appealed for information after a spate of arsons and since then a host of other incidents have come to light.
They include drug taking, vandalism, graffitti and abusive behaviour.
Mr Stone has written to the new Hillingdon police borough commander, Steven Kershaw, and senior officers at the council, calling for them to act.
He said: "The money it must be costing the council to clear up the damage they are doing.
"It needs to be someone at the top who acts now."
It emerged at the meeting, which was attended by Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) police officer, PC John Foley, that a number of people had not reported incidents to the authorities because they feared intimidation.
Ward councillor Richard Barnes (Con), who also went along, said: "Police have made clear that they will act on the criminality element of the problem.
"The meeting allowed everyone to have their say.
"It must be quite miserable for some of them."
PC Foley said: "I've asked for residents to contact me either by telephone or email at the time of, or as soon as possible after, any incidents."
Harefield SNT can be contacted on 01895 822622 or 020 8721 2544. Alternatively, email harefield.snt@met.police.uk, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
Richard Barnes