Two Harlesden cafes have been told that nobody - apart for a few exceptions – will be allowed to enter their venues as police continue their investigations into alleged antisocial behaviour and drug dealing in the area.
The Metropolitan Police has secured two further closure orders in court, following a mass drug raid to eight businesses and homes near Park Parade on August 23.
Officers arrested 12 people on suspicion of offences including stolen goods and possession with intent to supply Class A, B and C drugs – and the Met says “quantities of drugs and stolen property” were recovered.
After a hearing at Willesden Magistrates’ Court last Thursday (October 12), a further two full closure orders have been authorised after months of the case being repeatedly adjourned.
There are a few exceptions, however, namely emergency services, employees in respect of maintenance and repair, people accompanied by police, council and utility service officials, or official letting agency staff.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson told the Brent & Kilburn Times: “Any person found in these premises within these times who is not part of the excepted parties above commits an offence under section 86 of the anti-social behaviour, crime and policing act 2014.
“They (the orders) have been sought due to ASB [anti-social behaviour] caused by drug dealing, consumption and the peripheral crime associated with such.”
A copy of the notice has been posted to the shutters of the venues.
They were first given a notice in July, with court hearings for a closure order originally adjourned from August to September 4. The hearing was then meant to take place on September 18 before it was adjourned again.
Sefar Café has addressed the situation online, claiming to customers: “Unfortunately, our business recently faced an unexpected situation when the police conducted a raid on our premises under the suspicion of illegal drug activities.
“However, we want to assure you that no drugs were found and no evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims.
“Moreover, there is now an unjust assertion that our café has a negative impact on fostering antisocial behaviour within the community.”
Which other properties were raided?
The Brent & Kilburn Times previously reported that the force applied for temporary closure orders to four commercial and four residential premises.
The court later approved a full three-month closure order for Fortune Launderette & Dry Cleaning, in Park Parade, on September 4.
Baraca Hands hair salon, in High Street, Harlesden, has also been given a three-month closure order after that was approved on September 7.
Four flats in Harlesden – two in Springwell Avenue and two in Harlesden Gardens – were given a three-month closure order approved by Willesden Magistrates’ Court on August 24.
Access is prohibited to all people except for those involved in management, maintenance or emergency services.
Arrests and charges
Police say 11 males and one female were arrested following the raids.
One person was charged with robbery and possession of crack cocaine and another person was charged with possession of Class B drugs and recalled to prison. He has been released under investigation in respect of allegedly handling stolen goods.
Nine of those arrested have been bailed until dates in late October pending further enquiries and one has been released without further action.
Police previously said the raids are "far from the end of the operation".
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