Joint Operation Leads to Successful Eviction Following illegally occupied in BURNSIDE AVE E4

Dear Valley Ward Members,

Peabody Housing contacted Valley Safer Neighbourhood Team to report concerns that one of their empty residential properties on Burnside Avenue, located on the Chingford Hall Estate in E4, had been illegally occupied. The property was void and awaiting reallocation, and Peabody staff had observed signs suggesting that unauthorised individuals had gained entry. Due to the potential number of people involved, and to ensure a safe and coordinated response, - A scheduled date/time officers from the North Cluster Safer Neighbourhood Teams — representing Valley, Larkswood, and Endlebury wards, attended the location alongside a Peabody Housing Officer.

Upon entry, officers located approximately 12 individuals! inside the 3-bedroom property, comprising a mix of adult males and females. Appropriate identification and safety checks were completed, and no additional safeguarding concerns, medical issues, or immediate evidence of criminal offences were identified. The individuals were informed by the Peabody Housing Officer, with police present to prevent a breach of the peace, that they did not have permission to be inside the address. They were given reasonable time to gather their personal possessions before being instructed to vacate the premises.

All occupants complied fully with the instructions given and were subsequently evicted from the property without incident. There was no resistance or disorder, and the eviction proceeded safely. Once the building had been vacated, Peabody Housing contractor locksmith took steps to change the locks to the front and rear door to secure the property against further unauthorised entry, and police officers remained on scene until all securing measures were complete. The property was formally returned to the control of Peabody Housing, and no injuries or arrests occurred during the response. The incident has been recorded for intelligence purposes across the North Cluster SNT area, as the individuals involved may be linked to previous squatting attempts.

Considering the incident, it is recommended that Peabody Housing review and reinforce security measures at the address, including strengthening access points and considering the installation of temporary security features such as Sitex metal doors or alarms on empty properties. Joint patrols and continued information sharing between SNT teams and Peabody Housing may help deter future occurrences. Community reassurance patrols in the area are also advised, along with encouraging residents to report any suspicious activity related to empty properties. Reviewing CCTV coverage and conducting proactive checks on nearby void properties may help identify vulnerabilities and prevent similar incidents. Ensuring the property is quickly refurbished or reallocated will reduce the time it remains vacant and susceptible to unlawful entry.

Summary

Police and Peabody Housing jointly attended a void property on Burnside Avenue following concerns of illegal occupation. Approximately twelve unauthorised occupants were found, all of whom cooperated and were peacefully evicted. The property was secured by Peabody Housing, and no arrests or injuries occurred. Recommendations include strengthening property security, increasing joint patrols and information sharing, enhancing community engagement, and reviewing local CCTV and void property procedures to prevent recurrence.