‘We want help in putting away these vandals’
Authorities ‘have done nothing for us’
RUISLIP residents are at their wits’ end after ‘suffering’ anti-social behaviour for years, with one man even having
to detain alleged perpetrators himself.
One West End Road resident, who did not want to be named and lives above shops at New Pond Parade, is ‘sick’ of the problems he has faced for five years, despite looking in different directions for help.
He said: “We have a car park which backs on to a playground and scout hut and there’s a large hole in the bushes which is constantly being used for flytipping and drug deals.
“I’ve personally caught and detained many people flytipping and drug dealing either in our car park or in the bushes.
“Despite constantly reporting this to all the appropriate departments, nothing has been done about this to date.
“We’ve requested mobile CCTV, more lighting and even a fence to stop these ongoing issues endless amounts of times, but still to no avail.”
The final straw was an attack on the man’s neighbour, when a firework was sent up their bin chute and exploded. Thankfully no damage was caused.
Other frustrating incidents have included the playground being set on fire, criminal damage to a shop window, as well as speeding and excessive noise from motorbikes and cars racing up West End Road.
The resident added: “All of this mindless vandalism costing hundreds of pounds worth of damage in the space of 20 minutes and the authorities have done nothing about it.
“We’re having endless nights of sleep because of this, but the authorities don’t seem to care about it.
“It’s disgraceful. You move to the borough, pay such high rent and council tax and give your spare time as a volunteer to keep your community safe, clean and tidy, and what do we get back in return? No support from the authorities.”
Residents in Ruislip have
We’re having endless nights of sleep because of this, but the authorities have done nothing about it’
been proactive in helping raise crime awareness themselves, and creating Facebook groups to keep neighbours in the loop about reporting crime.
Alan Palmer, administrator of the Crime Awareness Group for Ruislip and Eastcote, said: “I currently get a shed load of messages about antisocial behaviour.
“We currently have one or two young groups who believe they are untouchable.
“It’s hard to get the message over to people that all issues should be reported to 101.”
Mr Palmer believes the problems are worst in Mount Pleasant, Whitby Road, Long Drive and the Fairway areas, and reports include damage to a church hall, eggs thrown at cars and intimidation.
He added: “I must admit that New Pond Parade has not come to my attention before, but I’m not surprised as many locals are afraid to report for fear of repercussions.
“I know that area quite well and it should be referred to councillors for help. I’d recommend putting pressure on them.
“In the absence of enough police on the beat I also encourage local intelligence. People have to start making local police in particular aware of all concerns.”