Sarah Benning, Haringey Council tactical enforcement officer, left, and Haringey Police borough commander Sandra Looby with some of the seized gaming machines.

Crackdown on illegal gaming machines in Haringey

by Flora Drury Saturday, July 21, 2012
3:00 PM

Haringey is getting tough on illegal gaming machines with a swoop on the borough’s illicit gambling hotspots.

A total of 40 machines were removed from premises across Haringey this week, during Operation Elgar raids co-ordinated by the council, police and the Gambling Commission.

They were in addition to four which were seized the previous week.

The operation targeted a range of premises accommodating unlicensed gaming machines – including a chippy and a chicken shop.

Cllr Nilgun Canver, cabinet member for the environment, explained the importance of the crackdown in helping the council and police to tackle antisocial behaviour.

She said: “Premises require a licence to house these machines so that we can monitor their effect on the community. The council is determined to ensure that only those with licences are allowed to keep them because they can attract antisocial behaviour and problems for local communities.”

Haringey Borough Police Commander Sandra Looby added: “We will use our full range of powers alongside the council and other law enforcement agencies, in order to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour to make Haringey safer.”

Gambling Commission regional compliance manager for the South East, Clive Noblett, said the commission was pleased to lend support to the “successful” multi-agency operation.

He said: “As a result of our involvement we are now pursuing a number of new lines of enquiry into the illegal supply of gaming machines.

“Working in partnership with other law enforcement agencies is central to the commission’s approach to keeping gambling fair and safe as part of a system of shared regulation.”