Homeless people and destruction/disposal of tents

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.033932

I note you seek access to the following information:

My request for information pertains to the dispersal of homeless people and the destruction and disposal of tents, which occurred in Camden on Friday 10 November 2023.

I would like to received information relating to rationale to the decision to instigate this act and how the Met Police demonstrates the conditions in Section 34 of the Anti- social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 were met.

Pursuant to; 34(2)
What the reasonable grounds were, to use of the powers in the locality 34 (2)
What evidence there is to demonstrate the
(a) members of the public in the locality being harassed, alarmed or distressed, or
(b)the occurrence in the locality of crime or disorder.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Met officers worked with University College London Hospitals and other partners on Friday, 10 November, in response to concerns about approximately ten tents near the entrance to the hospital in Huntley Street, NW1.

The hospital’s security team had requested the assistance of police. This action was necessary due to the hospital’s concerns for patient welfare. The tents were on private land close to the hospital entrance and had been at the location for up to nine months.

Police had also received reports of drug use and drug dealing, urination and defecation and of patients and staff being intimated or verbally abused by some of those begging and sleeping rough at the location.

On 6 and 7 November, all of those present at the site were fully engaged with by partner organisations and advised of the hospital’s wish to clear the site on 10 November.

A Section 35 Dispersal Order was authorised on 10 November, and two hours prior to the site clearance taking place, all individuals who were present on the site were given time to leave. All but one of those present left the site; some taking tents with them and some leaving them behind.