‘Sinners’ hit by police blitz at St Anne’s Church garden

Published: 20 August, 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

A SOHO church garden was turned into a temporary stop and search facility as part of a crime blitz which police claim has dramatically slashed the number of offences in the West End.

Under Operation Fallon, believed to be the largest ever police operation in central London, 200 officers searched hundreds of people for drugs, weapons and stolen goods in the gardens of St Anne’s Church in Dean Street last weekend. Police said the total number of offences on Friday and Saturday was down 47 per cent from the average weekend figure of 87. More than 50 people were arrested and 15 warnings were issued for possession of cannabis.

Chief Inspector Matthew Foley, head of policing in Soho, said: “Soho is an iconic location in London visited by people from around the world to enjoy its pubs, cafés, restaurants and a unique atmosphere. The police in Westminster are working with colleagues in Westminster City Council and businesses to tackle a local drugs market and low-level crime that occasionally detract from the attractions of the area. Soho is already a safe place to visit and I am pleased with the results of this operation, which will make it safer still.”

The operation was part of an ongoing joint initiative between Westminster Council and the Metropolitan Police known as SaferSoho.

Daniel Astaire, cabinet member for safety at Westminster Council, said: “The council is determined to work hard with the police to drive down drug use in Soho and make sure it is an enjoyable place to be. This is not about sanitising Soho or ridding it of its unique character but clamping down  on an open-air drugs market.”