This week, I have been pleased to join Epping Forest’s Superintendent, Keepers and Enforcement teams on patrol at Wanstead Flats, in a joint operation to deter anti-social behaviour (ASB) and public nuisance.
Due to the lighter evenings and warmer weather, there has been a sharp increase in the area’s open spaces being used to commit a wide range of ASB and low-level criminality. There has also been a more recent increase in drug dealing and consumption, sex workers, theft and fly-tipping.
Through high visibility partnerships with the London Boroughs of Redbridge and Newham’s Community Safety Teams, alongside each Borough’s Metropolitan Policing teams, Epping Forest seeks to reassure the local community that proactive joint action is being taken to prevent such behaviour occurring.
I was delighted to be joined on this operation by representatives of Calvin Bailey MP, Councillor Amar Virdee (Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Crime at the London Borough of Newham), Councillor Liz Cronin (representing Forest Gate North) and Councillor Jennifer Bailey (representing Manor Park) and to have discussed the operation with Councillor Kam Rai (Leader, London Borough of Redbridge).
It was quite clear to us all that there are ‘camps’ being built amongst the trees and the blackberry bushes which give them visual cover from neighbouring properties and the busy public highway. Lots have been relocated to create seating areas and litter is being discarded daily.
Whilst many of those disturbed were hot on their heels, arrests were made for the possession of Class A drugs and a number of discarded, used needles were safely disposed of. It was really gutting to see some of these left in the branches of trees for people to come back and use again, despite the enormous health risks this poses.
We also discovered a number of stolen items, including discarded security tags on clothing. One surprising discovery was a bag issued to a gentleman named Henry when he was discharged from by His Majesty’s Prison Thameside. For me personally, it demonstrated how broken our criminal justice system is at the moment, that Henry has likely gone to jail for drug offences, but immediate comes out, likely has stolen to sell goods and buy drugs which he then takes until such time as he’s re-arrested and sent back to prison. That cycle has to be broken somewhere.
Sex workers are also active in this area. Discarded clothing and used condoms were frequently discovered.
There was also a huge amount of litter around the perimeter of this protected green space, thrown from passing cars.
As Conservators of Epping Forest, we don’t want Wanstead Flats to become a ‘no-go’ area for visitors, particularly those travelling from London’s highly urbanised areas with limited access to green space. Therefore, we will be discussing an ongoing management plan for the site, which will require resource allocation from local policing, local authorities, volunteers and staff working for our Epping Forest charity.
What is abundantly clear to me is that working in partnership, across borough lines, is the only way we will make improvements. More to follow…
— Benjamin Murphy CC (@benjmurf) April 11, 2025
Team #EppingForest welcomed Newham & Redbridge Councillors, Met Police Officers & Newham's Community Safety Teams to #WansteadFlats in a joint operation to tackle anti social behaviour today
Arrests were made
