Press Releases
Squatters evicted after church roof tiles go missing (PR 1057)
Five men were evicted after local residents raised concerns after roof tiles went missing from a church in Acton.
Residents in the Acton Market Place complained about squatters living in a nearby property.
During the same period a number of lead roof tiles from St Mary’s
church went missing.
The Council’s Community Safety Team and the Acton Central
Safer Neighbourhood Team, in a joint effort, uncovered five men
living at the rear of 178 High Street, W3 accessed by Market Place,
W3.
When approached, the men were all under the influence of alcohol and were told to leave the premises.
There is no evidence linking the squatters to the stolen roof tiles.
Local residents can be reassured that the newly locked gate between the properties and the church will help avoid any further security problems.
Councillor Sue Emment, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said “ We will not put up with squatters, thieves or any other criminals in our borough.
“These men need to find somewhere else to stay and stop being a nuisance.
“The quick response from the Council and the Police means the residents and church alike are safe and protected.”
PC Rodriguez of Acton Central Safer Neighbourhood Team said “The alley gating was installed very quickly by the council to combat the issue of the rough sleepers.
“There is no evidence available to suggest any link between the
rough sleepers and the theft of the lead from the church.”