The Royal Borough of Greenwich says it has taken firm action against illegal and anti-social behaviour across the borough, with recent prosecutions involving residents and businesses in Kidbrooke and Shooters Hill, writes Myfanwy Fleming-Jones…
In February, a tenant in Kidbrooke appeared in court and was fined £768 for repeated noise nuisance offences. The prosecution followed numerous complaints from neighbours about persistent loud music coming from the property.
A council spokesperson said: “This is a great example of us cracking down on anti-social behaviour. We take residents’ reports seriously and will always follow up with any concerns, taking legal action when necessary, to make sure everyone feels safe and secure in their home.”
Council officers had previously visited the property and witnessed the excessive noise firsthand. The tenant was warned that continued disruption could lead to legal action and yet the disturbances persisted.
As a result, the council, working alongside police, obtained a warrant to enter the property. Officers seized a range of sound equipment, including speakers and televisions which were contributing to the ongoing nuisance.
In a separate case just one month later, a shop in Shooters Hill was fined more than £5,000 for selling vapes to underage customers.
The offence occurred in August last year when the shopkeeper sold a vape to a 15 and 16-year-old test purchaser without asking for their age or any ID.
Mr Mahesh, director of Value Retailers Ltd on Foxcroft Road, pleaded at Bexley Magistrates’ Court on March 25. The business was fined £4,145, including a victim surcharge, while Mr Mahesh personally received fines and a surcharge totalling £1,047 for the sale.
The council said they also discovered that the shop had no effective measures in place to prevent sales of nicotine products to underage people. Additionally, there was a prominent absence of a statutory tobacco notice or alcohol premises license displayed on the premises.
Relatedarticles
The council is urging anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco or vape products to come forward. Reports can be made by calling 020 8921 8157, emailing [email protected], or anonymously via the Trading Standards website.
