Forum Topic

Shocking murder in Barnes

I've been reading on the front page of PutneySW15 about the shocking find in Barnes recently of this poor man and then reading a 2- page description of how "county lines" drug gangs work in the Saturday Mail.Perhaps I'm naïve, but I find this really shocking to think this kind of thing has come to leafy Barnes.  I suppose it's everywhere these days, but I would recommend everyone reads the article in Saturday's paper as to how it works, it makes for a frightening read and all children should be protected.

Bunny Payne ● 2495d14 Comments

The man who died it was very sad and a talented man. He was taken in by these young men and probably scared and threatened if he contacted anybody for help. So sad.

Barbara Stevens ● 2495d

Apparently these people prey on the vulnerable and use their homes to deal their drugs and use children and teenagers to do it, awful.

Bunny Payne ● 2495d

It shows the importance of reporting to the police when you think this could be going on.  A lot of young naive and vulnerable people can get caught up in this and it can be difficult for them to extricate themselves from the situation.  You can make reports anonymously to Crimestoppers.Please also see my thread about Gareth Malone.

Philippa Bond ● 2495d

It also shows the lack of care social services now give to vulnerable peopleI had a similar situation in my block of flats, the council tenant was classed as disabled and was vulnerable and his flat got over taken by young drug dealers. This was reported weekly to the local council and his social worker, even his carer was reporting it to the council. The local police team were also informed. He was bullied, robbed, beaten up etc etc and the rest of us had to put up with guys in and out - at one point it also became a crack den.nothing was done. Even his family were asking for him to be moved. A year later, after yet another violent incident and the police coming out yet again, the young guys decided it was too much of a risk to carry on being there.Social services need to be more active when concerns are raisedAnd people who live near vulnerable people really need to report concerns to the social services team in the council, as well as the owner of the persons home

Emarisa Battoia ● 2494d

Well said Emarisa.  It's always a good idea to email your complaints to your MP and also your local councillors, I find them helpful once this kind of thing is brought to their attention.

Bunny Payne ● 2494d

Perhaps we should have a UK equivalent of the FBI.  I keep hearing how people make what to them is a big step in reporting something like this and don't feel that they are getting the equivalent action.  A good reason to know your neighbours.  There is power in numbers.

Philippa Bond ● 2493d

Isn't the National Crime Agency supposed to deal with this type of organised crime?https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/

Michael Ixer ● 2493d

Can you report directly to them or does it have to go through the police?

Philippa Bond ● 2493d

The police are overstretched.  It takes quite a time to vet and train etc.

Philippa Bond ● 2493d

I'm not sure. Their website provides ways of contacting them but my guess would be they treat that as intelligence for existing investigations or as highlighting new ones that need attention. I'd imagine if you want a more immediate response one should contact the local police. 

Michael Ixer ● 2493d

Bunny without being rude I think you will find that that end of Barnes is more Council property. It's near the Lonsdale Rd going towards Hammersmith Bridge. But even so this shouldn't have happened, this man perhaps was lonely, and did all these young men said.

Barbara Stevens ● 2492d

Barbara, what has it being council property got to do with it???  Barnes is leafy wherever you live and this poor man did not deserve what happened to him.I guess you will find more vulnerable people living in council properties, unless their families are very rich, but I find your comment extraordinary and border offensive.  What on earth do you mean?

Bunny Payne ● 2492d

Bunny I was not being offensive I come from Barnes and went to school in Sheen. I was saying that that end of Barnes is not like near the pond. The young man's remains have also been found near Hounslow Heath.

Barbara Stevens ● 2491d

I think the problem sometimes is that people do not feel that they are getting a good enough response from the police.  We know they are stretched and they may have other reasons for not responding but when it is happening next door to you and you are afraid to go out you need some sort of assurance that matters are in hand.

Philippa Bond ● 2491d