Police called an urgent meeting for neighbours of stab victim Paul Thrower to explain what they are doing about the crime at St Dunstans Close where the 46-year-old was stabbed on Thursday last week.
The meeting was at 7pm on Tuesday night at the Crane Community Centre, Fuller Way, Hayes, just two roads away from where the incident happened.
Detective chief superintendent Steve Kershaw, the borough commander for Hillingdon, will explain to visitors the work officers have action has been taken about reports of drug dealing and use and youths hanging around at night.
"I am aware of the issues in the St Dunstan's Estate that have been highlighted following this incident and we continue to work with partner agencies and the wider community to address all forms of drug misuse and anti-social behaviour in the Hayes area," he said. "Over the past year my officers and staff have undertaken increased activities in the area.
"We've had success with Operation Zeus; a long-term covert police operation to tackle drug dealing. It identified those involved in the supply of controlled drugs in the Hayes area, including the St Dunstan's Estate, and lead to 20 people being arrested, 18 of whom have so far been convicted.
"We have also applied for ASBOs which will come into effect after any custodial sentence has been served. These ASBOs forbid the person entering Hayes for predetermined periods, some stretching a number of years.
"In conjunction with the local authority, we have implemented a 'Dispersal Area' in the St Dunstan's Estate and surrounding streets. This has been in effect since 21 October last year and will be reviewed on 21 April. Conditions apply daily between 12:00hrs and 02:00hrs.
"So far on 18 occasions groups of youths have been dispersed from the 'Dispersal Area' by Hillingdon police officers.
"Directed patrols, of both uniformed and plain clothed officers, have taken place on the St Dunstan's Estate. This has led to further people being identified as involved in drug dealing and four warrants have been issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act in the last six months within the estate. When executed, drugs were found at three out of the four addresses.
"Finally, there has been increased tasking of patrol officers into the area, our patrol strategy is regularly reviewed and if appropriate these will be increased further.
"I would like to reassure the residents of the Hayes area that we will continue to provide a visible presence in the area and that the fear of crime must be addressed as much as preventing or addressing any specific act of crime."
Any witnesses or anyone with information should contact the incident room on 020 8785 8081 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
