It’s just the latest in a series of efforts to build a safer neighbourhood

An address in Peckham has been forced to close for three months for suspected drug trafficking and the encouragement of anti-social behaviour.

The Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) took action after several residents complained that they felt intimidated by people visiting the address and a strong, sweet odour in the vicinity of the house. Peckham SNT found what seemed to be a cannabis factory at the address. Neighbours said they heard a constant low hum from the house, whose windows were blacked out. They added that no one seemed to live at the address in question all the time.

Peckham police tweeted that the address was a “real pain that caused so many problems for the local residents”. They were “so happy that it’s finally closed,” the tweet added.

Peckham SNT’s action came as a huge relief to residents but also probably, for many as a revelation.

Becky Byrne, a local explained: “I’ve lived in Peckham for 15 years and I can honestly say I had no idea that Safer Neighbourhood Teams even existed. I don’t think many of my neighbours know either. Many people in the local area belong to Facebook groups, which share information on the local community and there are times when a Safer Neighbourhood Team might have been really helpful with some difficult issues.”

The SNT is one of more than 600 created by the Metropolitan Police in 2004 to make the police more visible, reduce fear and aid interaction between the public and the police. SNTs encourage residents to voice concerns about behaviour that may be threatening or disruptive and helps find long-term solutions to local problems.

Peckham recorded 939 street-level crimes, or incidents in a public place in September. The largest category was anti-social behaviour, followed by violent crime.

Peckham is currently number three for street-level crime among the wards of Southwark borough. It follows closely behind Walworth and Camberwell.