Police and council officers today seized bedding from Romanian travellers camped in Park Lane in the latest effort to prevent people sleeping rough in the West End.
Officials confiscated mattresses, cardboard and pieces of old carpet that were being used in the makeshift camp in the central reservation. Onlookers counted more than 70 travellers who were moved on today.
They are all believed to be Romanians linked to begging gangs. Such gangs have been linked to pickpocketing, shoplifting and scams such as pretending to have found a “gold” ring which is then sold for £20.
Nickie Aiken, Westminster City Council’s cabinet member for community protection, said Transport for London had been asked to close off a redundant stairwell in the Mayfair central reservation which was being used as a lavatory and storage area.
