Mums call for action on gangs preying on children (From Harrow Times)

Mums call for action on gangs preying on children

4:49pm Monday 5th July 2004

• Print
• Email
• Share

TWO Kingsbury mothers are calling for action to rid the area of teenage gangs after both of their sons were mugged twice in the exact same place within a month.

On four separate occasions, the boys, one aged 15, the other just 11, were set upon by a youth believed to be part of a gang of thugs who target vulnerable youngsters outside Kingsbury Tube station.

The gang waits outside the station in Kingsbury Road and robs younger children returning home from school, making off phones and cash.

Saajan Gudka, who is now 12, was accosted by an older boy, thought to be 15 or 16, who searched his pockets before stealing his wallet. The attack left Saajan, a pupil of Buckingham Senior School in Harrow, frightened to walk the streets alone.

His ordeal were compounded less than a month later when he suffered a second attack by the same boy at the same spot.

His mother Priti, is now desperately concerned about the welfare of her only son.

She said: "He used to be such a happy boy, but after the attacks his confidence is in tatters.

"I'm so angry. I want to see more policemen patrolling the streets after school to protect innocent children like my son.

"Failing that, we need CCTV cameras right the way along Kingsbury Road."

The second mother told a similarly disturbing tale. Her 15-year-old son, whom she wishes to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, was also mugged twice in the same area as Saajan.

His attacker was also a 15 or 16-year-old black youth, wearing Kingsbury High School uniform.

On both occasions, the victim, a student at University College School in Hampstead, had his mobile phone and wallet taken.

His mother said: "I'd like to see more beat policemen in the area after school hours. There are five schools in the area and gangs of kids are running riot.

"The first time my son was attacked, I was told a policeman should have been on duty but was in the office manning the phones."

The leader of Brent Council, Councillor Anne John said: "I understand these parents' concerns. CCTV is a possibility, but so are anti-social behaviour orders or acceptable behaviour contracts.

"These can be used to break up gangs, or to ban the ringleaders from particular areas.

"The police also visit local schools and talk to pupils about their behaviour.

"Finally, there are the safer neighbourhood teams, six local police officers dedicated to a particular ward. This project will be rolled out to Kingsbury soon."

A spokesman for Brent police said: "We are aware of a problem in the area.

"Officers are being tasked with patrolling the area in and around Roe Green Park and Kingsbury station daily, particularly around school leaving time.

"We would urge those in the area to be vigilant, if you see something suspicious please contact police."

Anyone with information about robberies in the area should call Brent CID on 020 8733 3262.

• Print
• Email
• Share