0:00:02 > 0:00:05Our lives are blighted by anti-social behaviour,
0:00:05 > 0:00:07whether it's nuisance neighbours...
0:00:07 > 0:00:08Will you let us in, please?
0:00:08 > 0:00:11..graffiti on the streets,
0:00:11 > 0:00:13or too much booze.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15You need to make your way away from here right now.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17This is the story of the police officers...
0:00:17 > 0:00:19This is the police, are you in here?
0:00:19 > 0:00:21You have been drinking a bit today, haven't you?
0:00:21 > 0:00:23..council wardens...
0:00:23 > 0:00:27This is anti-social behaviour because it effects everybody.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31..and local volunteers whose job it is to keep it off our streets.
0:00:31 > 0:00:32Let's go do some good.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35Welcome to Street Patrol UK.
0:00:39 > 0:00:40Today...
0:00:40 > 0:00:43You could go flying on them tins! I can see it.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46..Enfield's environmental health team on an emergency house clearance
0:00:46 > 0:00:49for a habitual hoarder.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53The biggest problem is, now obviously, it's attracting the rats.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57The local residents who are tackling taggers and graffiti vandals
0:00:57 > 0:01:00to reclaim and restore their neighbourhood.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02This basin has 200 years of history.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05The graffiti has no place in that history or its future.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10And the case of the mysterious missing postboxes.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14Why on earth would anyone want to nick one of these?!
0:01:14 > 0:01:16They're stolen to be sold
0:01:16 > 0:01:19and even a relatively common one like this
0:01:19 > 0:01:21can go for several hundred pounds.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40In this country, we value our personal freedom highly,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43and most people would argue that how we choose to live our lives
0:01:43 > 0:01:45is our own business.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48But when our lifestyle or behaviour threatens the wellbeing of others,
0:01:48 > 0:01:51that's when environmental health officers need to step in.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58The suburb of Enfield has a rising
0:01:58 > 0:02:01population of more than 300,000 people,
0:02:01 > 0:02:06and it's down to environmental health officers Claire Fletcher and Karen Gingell
0:02:06 > 0:02:10to make sure these people have a decent quality of life.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Their daily rounds take in the kind of stuff
0:02:12 > 0:02:15that most of us would shudder to deal with.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20I would describe our job as anything that causes a risk of disease
0:02:20 > 0:02:25or a nuisance to someone in their own home.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29The public as well, a massive part of our job is interacting with them
0:02:29 > 0:02:32and trying to get them on board with what we're trying to achieve.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37When rubbish is not properly dealt with,
0:02:37 > 0:02:39you get all sorts of knock-on problems
0:02:39 > 0:02:43and Claire and Karen have been called to deal with an infestation
0:02:43 > 0:02:46of the worst kind.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48There's been a problem with rats in the area.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51We know that both the blocks either side have had problems.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54This particular block,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57the rats are actually up in the roof area.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00They've actually started living from the top
0:03:00 > 0:03:03and they're working their way down.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07Anxious residents are keen to find out why the rats have moved in.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09You've got a hole here, look.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11That's a new one.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Because they were coming up in our electric cupboard.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17So what's happened is, where you have blocked them off there,
0:03:17 > 0:03:19they've found the next entrance in.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23And it doesn't take them long to work out what's happened.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29Your bin cupboard's here which is your perfect food source
0:03:29 > 0:03:33and although it's reasonably clean, you're leaving them open.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37People don't realise that while there's a food source there
0:03:37 > 0:03:39and they're causing that food source,
0:03:39 > 0:03:43they're going to come in from quite a distance to source the food.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45They've got a perfect little picnic going on there
0:03:45 > 0:03:47and they are very happy, thank you very much.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53But to get rid of the rats, Karen wants to find where they're living.
0:03:53 > 0:03:54This is the main nest.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57They've obviously dug a nest under the root system here.
0:03:57 > 0:04:02It's a massive rats' nest. It follows all the way round.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05Going under the wall and obviously getting into the flats
0:04:05 > 0:04:11from that side so what we need to do is get this main nest treated
0:04:11 > 0:04:13so that we can kill the rats from source.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21One infestation in hand, the pair must now deal with another call out
0:04:21 > 0:04:24where food waste is causing problems for the neighbours.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29We're heading off to meet a gentleman that's been hoarding food.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33We have served an abatement notice on him now to clear up the house.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37This is a property we have dealt with in the past a few times
0:04:37 > 0:04:40and the neighbours have complained of smells from the property and rats
0:04:40 > 0:04:43so we do know of this gentleman.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46The neighbour who made the call is struggling to deal
0:04:46 > 0:04:49with the horrific effects of rotting food next door.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53House is full of flies all the time, blue bottles, green bottles,
0:04:53 > 0:04:57house flies... I can't open my windows. I can't open my cupboards.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- If you stayed here for another ten minutes, you would hear rats... - Running around?
0:05:01 > 0:05:04It has got to the point where we're thinking, do we move?
0:05:04 > 0:05:08The smell, particularly at the front of the house from the bins, is quite a problem.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10I can smell it standing at the porch.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14The flies are a problem. They've got rats under the floors and in the cavity of the walls.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16So they are suffering quite a bit.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19And that's the only real reason that we can get involved in these
0:05:19 > 0:05:22when it becomes a problem affecting someone else
0:05:22 > 0:05:24and serve notice and do a clearance.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28The hoarder agrees to let them in.
0:05:28 > 0:05:29Right, I'm going in!
0:05:32 > 0:05:34Just be careful.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38The house has clearly deteriorated hugely since their last visit.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40This was clear last time, the floor, wasn't it?
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Still got rotting food.
0:05:48 > 0:05:49April...
0:05:52 > 0:05:53Let me have a little look.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58It's not great.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Any cheap food that he can get hold of, he'll bring in.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04The biggest problem is, now obviously, it's attracting the rats.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07He is also starting to store stuff outside.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09Not so much food but bottles and stuff.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12And the bins are in a bit of a state.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15More meat here, June.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19Looks like last year's June.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21Hoarding is a disorder
0:06:21 > 0:06:25that is believed to affect more than a million people in the UK.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28It leaves sufferers unable to throw anything away
0:06:28 > 0:06:31which can lead to an ever-mounting problem.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36Bedroom, which he said doesn't need any attention but...
0:06:37 > 0:06:39..beg to differ on that one.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42It's not a very nice part of our job,
0:06:42 > 0:06:44having to root through people's rooms.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50The house clearly can't be left like this.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52I think we're looking at, at least a week,
0:06:52 > 0:06:55a week and half's worth of clearance here.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01He has got himself in a bit of pickle like this a couple of times,
0:07:01 > 0:07:05and we have cleared him out. This would be the third time.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07But he's never really engaged with any help afterwards
0:07:07 > 0:07:11so we're hoping this time, he may engage with social services
0:07:11 > 0:07:12try and get some help.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16Claire and Karen want to help the hoarder break the cycle.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18My biggest problem is...
0:07:18 > 0:07:20You can't resist a bargain, can you?
0:07:20 > 0:07:22Some of the bargains are definitely...
0:07:22 > 0:07:25But do you know what, you're actually wasting your money.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28But then you don't get rid of it and then you buy some more
0:07:28 > 0:07:32and some more and it keeps going like that and that's the problem.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35He's not a bad person. It's not a choice he has made consciously, to live like that.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38He's not being difficult, he's not trying to upset anyone else.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41It's just the way his mind is set at the moment.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43It is obviously a mental health condition of sorts
0:07:43 > 0:07:48but unless he engages and asks for help, there's no forcing it on him.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50Would you like to be able to invite your friends round?
0:07:50 > 0:07:54I know you have got that lady friend that refuses to come in.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56I'd love to see you sitting with your friends
0:07:56 > 0:07:59having a nice cup of tea. You know, it has been a long time.
0:07:59 > 0:08:04But before anyone can come in for tea, there's a huge clean up to do.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Later, we'll be back with Claire and the team
0:08:07 > 0:08:10to see if they can move a mountain of rubbish.
0:08:10 > 0:08:11A lot more stuff will have to go
0:08:11 > 0:08:13than he's probably willing to let go.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19The red postbox.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22An British landmark, an icon all over the world
0:08:22 > 0:08:27and an important part of community life for over 200 years.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30But increasingly, it seems that some mindless criminals
0:08:30 > 0:08:34are doing their best to wipe out this precious piece of our British heritage.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41Robert Cole is passionate about postboxes.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46He belongs to a group of 500 enthusiasts who maintain a database
0:08:46 > 0:08:49detailing postboxes across Britain.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53Nice Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56I'm going to spend doing a bit of survey work
0:08:56 > 0:09:02of a few of the nation's 115,500 letter boxes.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07But Robert is concerned that some of our mail boxes are going missing.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13Up and down the country,
0:09:13 > 0:09:15thieves have been stealing an alarming number of them.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17Ripping out stand-alone pillar boxes
0:09:17 > 0:09:20or dismantling the ones built into walls.
0:09:22 > 0:09:23Stealing a letter box,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26they're stealing something from the community
0:09:26 > 0:09:29and from the heritage of that community.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31It's a big worry for Royal Mail.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Over the last couple of years, we have seen an increase in the number
0:09:35 > 0:09:37of boxes that have been stolen.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39We've seen this in the North West of England,
0:09:39 > 0:09:41and in North Wales, in East Anglia
0:09:41 > 0:09:45and also in Sussex and along the southern coast.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49Incredibly, it seems that 100 have been stolen in the last year alone.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54People want the letters inside... Not quite sure why they'd want that
0:09:54 > 0:09:56but perhaps there'll be money in the letters.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Second reason is that they are stolen for their scrap value.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04Although it has a cast iron front there which will be quite heavy, it has a steel back...
0:10:04 > 0:10:07In the group, we call these "tin lizzies" actually,
0:10:07 > 0:10:10because they're a bit tinny and they come from the reign of Elizabeth II.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14Very common... But the third reason is for resale value
0:10:14 > 0:10:17and even a relatively common one like this
0:10:17 > 0:10:19can go for several hundred pounds.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23Some rare pillar boxes can sell for larger sums.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27There's interest in some of our older postboxes as postal heritage
0:10:27 > 0:10:31and over the years we have sold, legitimately sold, a few postboxes
0:10:31 > 0:10:34so there are people out there who collect postboxes
0:10:34 > 0:10:37and it is not impossible that these people would be interested
0:10:37 > 0:10:41in collecting some more boxes, particularly some of our rarer ones.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46Many postboxes in rural locations haven't been changed for decades.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50Which perhaps might explain the spate of thefts from villages in Sussex.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59PC Daryl Holter sees the impact such thefts have on the local community.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06In these remote rural settings, it's viewed as a lifeline for some.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09They want to be able to contact their friends, their families
0:11:09 > 0:11:12and if that postbox, if that facility is taken away,
0:11:12 > 0:11:16they can't then get to communicate with their friends and family.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20For the residents of the quaint village of Etchingham,
0:11:20 > 0:11:21near Tunbridge Wells,
0:11:21 > 0:11:25the loss of their historical George VI postbox was a shock.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28I came out to post a letter.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32I walked up to where the postbox was which was here...
0:11:32 > 0:11:36I went to put my letter in and there was no postbox, just the stand.
0:11:36 > 0:11:42Underneath, there was tiny fragment of red metal
0:11:42 > 0:11:46which we understand was obviously from it.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49But, yeah, it was pretty shocking that someone would steal it.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51One minute it was there, the next minute it wasn't.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53I understand it was quite an old one.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56Presumably somebody thought it was valuable, but it's a shame.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59It was beautiful so it's a shame that it is gone.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01There weren't any witnesses,
0:12:01 > 0:12:04probably because thieves chose the cover of night to strike.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09Behind the back of here, you will see, there's a post here.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12You can see where the red was on the post
0:12:12 > 0:12:16where the original box was on the post, held on by two metal straps.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Those straps were cut and the box was removed.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22To think that somebody could come
0:12:22 > 0:12:25and steal something that's actually an historical item.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28I remember my children doing projects about the village
0:12:28 > 0:12:30and actually taking pictures of that postbox
0:12:30 > 0:12:31to include in their projects.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35That's stealing a little piece of Etchingham history
0:12:35 > 0:12:37which really is irritating.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Ironically, the crime took place opposite a church
0:12:40 > 0:12:42which is the final resting place
0:12:42 > 0:12:45for the designer of the world's first stamp,
0:12:45 > 0:12:47Henry Corbould, who created the Penny Black.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52We have a splendid memorial to him
0:12:52 > 0:12:54and he must be turning in his grave
0:12:54 > 0:12:58to see that part of Britain's postal heritage has vanished.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01People steal things like that
0:13:01 > 0:13:03and the children won't have a sense of history growing up
0:13:03 > 0:13:07and it doesn't teach them respect for looking after the things
0:13:07 > 0:13:10that we should treasure, these things, they're important.
0:13:10 > 0:13:11A nasty, mean crime.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15To steal the postbox is such a pointless thing to do.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18It damages us, I don't see it does anybody else any good
0:13:18 > 0:13:23and whoever collects those stolen items is just as guilty as the people who steal them.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30It's not just communities losing their heritage which is a problem.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32There's often a lot of criminal damage done
0:13:32 > 0:13:34in the process of nicking the boxes.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41Some of the postboxes we've seen stolen are inset into old walls
0:13:41 > 0:13:43and I've been to a job where, unfortunately,
0:13:43 > 0:13:46a very, very old flint wall has been pulled over.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49That wall has been there for many years
0:13:49 > 0:13:51along with the building that it surrounds but again
0:13:51 > 0:13:55they've just wanted the box so we're talking theft and we're talking criminal damage.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57And while Royal Mail has to replace the boxes,
0:13:57 > 0:14:01the historical designs are lost forever.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03We don't replace like with like.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07We can't replace a postbox from the 1940s with something identical
0:14:07 > 0:14:09so we will often have to rebuild an entire wall
0:14:09 > 0:14:12to put a wall-based pillar box back in again.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15We may have to find some other suitable venue nearby
0:14:15 > 0:14:18if we can't replace exactly where the pillar box came out.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21It can cost us several thousand pounds.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26But there is good news from Etchingham at least.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31Two men were arrested in connection with postbox thefts in Sussex earlier this year.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36And Royal Mail will be pursuing anyone who they track down
0:14:36 > 0:14:39handling stolen postboxes through the courts.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43It's very unlikely that legitimate collectors
0:14:43 > 0:14:44will actually want to buy a stolen box.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46If you've bought a box legitimately,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48you will have a bill of sale from Royal Mail.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50So, if you've bought a stolen box,
0:14:50 > 0:14:54even if you're 3rd or 4th person through whose hands it's passed,
0:14:54 > 0:14:56it's not your box. It's still our box.
0:14:56 > 0:14:57You'd be handling stolen goods
0:14:57 > 0:15:01and we would be looking to prosecute anybody that does that.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04In the meantime, Robert Cole is devoting himself
0:15:04 > 0:15:07to staying one step ahead of the thieves,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10acting fast to save any boxes in danger.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14Somebody might come along and think it's ripe for stealing,
0:15:14 > 0:15:15because it's not been taken care of.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18I'll definitely take a note of this and report back.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22It's conceivable that it might have been subject to a theft attempt.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26I think it's probably more likely a lorry or tractor or car or something
0:15:26 > 0:15:29has run into it and knocked it sideways.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31But someone might look at it and say,
0:15:31 > 0:15:35perhaps I can take it away and flog it.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38So I'll make a brief note
0:15:38 > 0:15:44of its identification number... 214.
0:15:44 > 0:15:45It's an Elizabeth II.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49I'll take a quick photograph of it
0:15:49 > 0:15:51so that I can try and, as it were, raise the alarm,
0:15:51 > 0:15:55tell somebody at Royal Mail
0:15:55 > 0:15:59that this has happened and we're keeping pressure on to make sure that
0:15:59 > 0:16:02hopefully vulnerable letter boxes are less vulnerable in future.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12Later, the street pastors of Shoreditch
0:16:12 > 0:16:15who are drawing on their faith to spread goodwill
0:16:15 > 0:16:19and keep an eye out for the party people of London's East End.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22All these people have come from all over the world to be in Shoreditch
0:16:22 > 0:16:25where I was brought up and I never wanted to stay.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30I've been out and about on a street patrol of my own
0:16:30 > 0:16:33to hear what bothers you about Britain today.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Now, Jean, you're a Frenchman living in the UK,
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- how long have you been here? - I have been here for 17 years.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Wow. And your English is obviously very good. Better than my French.
0:16:43 > 0:16:48Jean, can I ask you, what have you witnessed that you think is pretty anti-social?
0:16:48 > 0:16:53People who just don't respect others and make too much noise
0:16:53 > 0:16:57and making their voices heard just to show off
0:16:57 > 0:16:59but not doing anything really.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02Can you give me an example? Where have you witnessed that?
0:17:02 > 0:17:08Near council estates where you have people hanging around, smoking
0:17:08 > 0:17:11and doing wrong things just to show that they are there,
0:17:11 > 0:17:14forgetting that there is other people living by
0:17:14 > 0:17:15and have the right to do so.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17What have you seen or witnessed, Jean,
0:17:17 > 0:17:19that you've found dirty or disgusting?
0:17:21 > 0:17:25People who just leave their dog to poo and not cleaning up.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28I mean, sometimes if you go in the woods and you walk,
0:17:28 > 0:17:32people are actually cleaning up and leaving the trash out
0:17:32 > 0:17:34which I think is twice as worse.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36And you have witnessed that, have you?
0:17:36 > 0:17:39Yes, I've seen that. If you go on footpaths in the woods
0:17:39 > 0:17:42you can see a lot of bags hanging off trees and bushes
0:17:42 > 0:17:44and it is poo and you know that.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Anti-social behaviour that annoys me,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50one is spitting in the street.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52I do not like swearing.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Because I have had a few incidents with that...
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Obviously out with my grandson which is not nice
0:17:59 > 0:18:01and he picks those words up.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03It is the litter on the streets now.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05We're getting all this, sort of, rubbish.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08People that haven't got the...
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Years ago, you used to take it home with you in your pocket and...
0:18:11 > 0:18:14You know now we just can't...
0:18:14 > 0:18:17People can't educate themselves now anymore.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20Everybody else has got to pick it up for them, you know?
0:18:20 > 0:18:23And then when you confront these people,
0:18:23 > 0:18:29you say, have you dropped this? They look at you as if you're something from outer space!
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Wherever you live, you're bound to have noticed graffiti
0:18:36 > 0:18:38and what are called tags scrawled on your walls.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41In fact, you might have actually got so used to seeing it,
0:18:41 > 0:18:44that you don't notice it anymore.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46But in one part of our capital city,
0:18:46 > 0:18:48the local residents have not only noticed it,
0:18:48 > 0:18:50they decide to tackle it head on,
0:18:50 > 0:18:53and reclaim their surroundings from the graffiti vandals.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58For nearly 200 years,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01the Regent's Canal has been a bustling thoroughfare
0:19:01 > 0:19:03cutting through the very heart of London.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07And while it may no longer be used for hauling cargo through the city,
0:19:07 > 0:19:12it remains a much-loved route for walkers, cyclists and commuters.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17In Islington, the canal runs behind the Hanover Primary School
0:19:17 > 0:19:20and the kids have transformed the towpath behind their school
0:19:20 > 0:19:23into a lovely urban garden.
0:19:23 > 0:19:24Peas!
0:19:26 > 0:19:30Overall, I think the garden has been a real boost to the local area
0:19:30 > 0:19:33because a lot of kids in this area don't have gardens,
0:19:33 > 0:19:36don't have big spaces so this is sometimes their first opportunity
0:19:36 > 0:19:40to see how things grow and plant things, such as my daughter,
0:19:40 > 0:19:43and they get such a thrill and they're so excited when we bring them out here.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48But there's one thing that is blighting this green space
0:19:48 > 0:19:50and that is a plague of graffiti.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58Dick Vincent, from The Canal and River Trust
0:19:58 > 0:20:01works as a London Towpath Ranger.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Today he's joining local residents to help out with the clean-up operation.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09Welcome to the very, very first, as far as I'm aware,
0:20:09 > 0:20:12Friends Of Regent's Canal graffiti clean-up.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17So, most of the graffiti is from car type spray
0:20:17 > 0:20:22which will come off if we use this graffiti gel remover.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25So we're going to paint some of this on, we're going to get some water,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28and we're going to wash it off and it's as simple as that.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30And it might not remove absolutely all of the graffiti
0:20:30 > 0:20:34but it will certainly make a big dent in the visual impact of what you see here.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37So, I suggest we just get started! Let's go!
0:20:40 > 0:20:44Paint it on, we'll leave it for 20 minutes or so
0:20:44 > 0:20:46and then we will come along and scrub it off.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53I work on a number of projects to improve the canals.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55For the function along the towpaths,
0:20:55 > 0:20:58that's about turning these places from being just routes,
0:20:58 > 0:21:00just places people travel through,
0:21:00 > 0:21:03into actual places that people enjoy and can use
0:21:03 > 0:21:05on a very basic level, really.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09And it's for that reason that so many Islington residents
0:21:09 > 0:21:11have come together to clean up the tow path.
0:21:13 > 0:21:14I need a tall person.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- Oh, am I tall enough?- Yes.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18This garden has brightened up the area
0:21:18 > 0:21:22and the graffiti now stands out like a sore thumb.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26It's a shame to see it along here when there is this lovely garden
0:21:26 > 0:21:29that's trying to accomplish something beautiful.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34We've got seven or eight people turning up now to help do this.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38We haven't advertised it a great deal, this is just word of mouth
0:21:38 > 0:21:41and people who live in the area
0:21:41 > 0:21:44who really care about what they want to see down here.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Everyone is working hard to stop this anti-social activity
0:21:49 > 0:21:52from dragging their local area down.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54This particular stretch of towpath
0:21:54 > 0:21:59has been somewhere that people tend to avoid because it's been hijacked.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02This is a listed building. We're in a conservation area.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04This basin has 200 years of history.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08The graffiti has no place in that history or its future.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10That's a lot better now.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13I used to live round here. I used to fish here a lot
0:22:13 > 0:22:14and I have always enjoyed the waterway
0:22:14 > 0:22:18and even though I haven't fished here for a while, I still value it
0:22:18 > 0:22:21and I thought I'll start getting involved as I live nearby.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23The clean-up team are hoping that their operation
0:22:23 > 0:22:27will send a clear message to would-be vandals
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Graffiti is always a signal that
0:22:30 > 0:22:33an area is not being looked after, supervised,
0:22:33 > 0:22:36and I think when people see a bit of graffiti,
0:22:36 > 0:22:40it gives them the incentive, the go-ahead, the green light to make it worse.
0:22:41 > 0:22:46And it's not just the adults who are critical of the taggers' handiwork.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50I don't mind good graffiti...
0:22:50 > 0:22:54Like, nice things like swans and stuff
0:22:54 > 0:22:57but I don't really like people writing their names on it.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00I don't think that's very positive.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04The tags aren't that interesting.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07If they were, I'd quite like the juxtaposition
0:23:07 > 0:23:09of some stuff on the wall and the plants in the garden,
0:23:09 > 0:23:10but they're not.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14After nearly three hours of vigorous scrubbing,
0:23:14 > 0:23:17the action team have cleaned up the towpath
0:23:17 > 0:23:19and restored the children's garden.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22I'm really pleased with today's event actually.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24The graffiti has faded,
0:23:24 > 0:23:26I don't think we can say it's entirely gone
0:23:26 > 0:23:28but want we were aiming to do today
0:23:28 > 0:23:30was more about bringing the community together
0:23:30 > 0:23:33and making a stand about the graffiti in this area.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35It shows we can make a difference
0:23:35 > 0:23:39by preventing the destruction of places we care about.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43It certainly started to restore the natural brick
0:23:43 > 0:23:47and these are London stock, this is what London was built on
0:23:47 > 0:23:51and these bricks probably would have come down the Regent's Canal
0:23:51 > 0:23:53and this is very much part of the heritage of this area
0:23:53 > 0:23:56and that's why we try to love them in the way we do.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Anti-social behaviour, be it intimidation,
0:24:07 > 0:24:11excessive noise, fly-tipping, graffiti or vandalism,
0:24:11 > 0:24:15is just not what you or I should expect to have to put up with.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19But there are people, all over the UK, whose lives are ruined by it.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21So it's just as well, there are people we can turn to.
0:24:23 > 0:24:24We're on the front line
0:24:24 > 0:24:27with the highly skilled teams of council workers...
0:24:27 > 0:24:29It's my job to get the evidence.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31We'll find her and she'll pay.
0:24:32 > 0:24:33..police officers...
0:24:33 > 0:24:36I saw you urinate on the pavement.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38..and volunteers who are committed
0:24:38 > 0:24:41to keeping our streets safe and clean
0:24:41 > 0:24:45and taking on our anti-social battles on a daily basis,
0:24:45 > 0:24:50to make sure that our lives are not blighted by other people's bad behaviour.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52This is Street Patrol UK.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Let's get back to what bothers you in Britain today.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02Really nice to meet you.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04Now, tell me what bothers you about anti-social
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- behaviour out there on the street. - Yes, I hate to see drunk people.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10OK, and you see that a lot, do you?
0:25:10 > 0:25:14Yeah, even over there by the library, a lady
0:25:14 > 0:25:18and a woman was there real drunk, and the lady was hitting the man,
0:25:18 > 0:25:21hitting the man and the man was saying nothing.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25- Was that during daylight hours? - In daytime. I couldn't say...
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Like one o'clock, two o'clock?
0:25:27 > 0:25:30I think it's really disgusting when you see people urinating
0:25:30 > 0:25:34in the street, men and women, but also when they spit in the street.
0:25:34 > 0:25:39And it affects everybody and it's so unhygienic and disgusting.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Most of the arguments, fights, scuffles, are usually over drugs.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44If it's not drugs, it's drink.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46We have them pulling up outside the house
0:25:46 > 0:25:48and it's obvious what they're doing.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51You can see them passing it through the window.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- The police don't get involved, the police don't bother.- What do you do?
0:25:54 > 0:25:57It's everywhere. There's kids outside schools now that are having
0:25:57 > 0:25:59stuff passed to them.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02It was going on when they were at school and it still goes on now.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04It's even worse now.
0:26:04 > 0:26:05If you're walking along the pavement
0:26:05 > 0:26:09and you have these children coming towards you,
0:26:09 > 0:26:15it's normally teenagers, and they're oblivious of you
0:26:15 > 0:26:19and they won't move out of the way for you,
0:26:19 > 0:26:25and you think to yourself, "Why should I sidestep for them?"
0:26:25 > 0:26:29Once upon a time, you used to be polite to your elders.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32If I see someone who I think is specifically being targeted or
0:26:32 > 0:26:35something rude's being said out loud, to anybody,
0:26:35 > 0:26:40not just an old person, I will always say, "Sorry?" or "Excuse me?
0:26:40 > 0:26:42"What are you saying?"
0:26:42 > 0:26:44Try and get them to say that to me,
0:26:44 > 0:26:48being slightly younger and more willing to take them on.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53We're back with Enfield's Environmental Health Team.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57Their mission - to clear the home of a compulsive hoarder whose
0:26:57 > 0:27:00house is stacked so high with rotting food,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03it's causing major problems for the neighbours.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10Environmental Health officers Claire Fletcher
0:27:10 > 0:27:15and Karen Gingell are gearing up for a major clean up job.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19They've been called to a house in Enfield where the resident's
0:27:19 > 0:27:23inability to throw anything away has resulted in a plague of rats,
0:27:23 > 0:27:27flies and bad smells for neighbours on the street.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30The resident has now been served with notice that they intend
0:27:30 > 0:27:32to do a clearance on the house.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40Along with their team, Claire and Karen are ready for the worst.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Get some spray in here.
0:27:42 > 0:27:48'It's really hard work, very hot, and not much air going through'
0:27:48 > 0:27:51the house, lots of flies, the smell's quite horrific,
0:27:51 > 0:27:53particularly in the kitchen.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58The most immediate problem here is the build-up of food collected,
0:27:58 > 0:28:01not just over months, but years.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04There's a lot of meat in there, a couple of years old,
0:28:04 > 0:28:07not refrigerated, just on the floor.
0:28:07 > 0:28:08April.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10February.
0:28:10 > 0:28:11January.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14September 2010.
0:28:14 > 0:28:152006.
0:28:15 > 0:28:182000.
0:28:18 > 0:28:201997.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22It's incredible.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25If they was to eat that, imagine how ill they would be.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28'We found food as far back as 1992.'
0:28:28 > 0:28:31There's been food in every room in the house,
0:28:31 > 0:28:36including the toilet, the loft, the shed, every bin, cupboard,
0:28:36 > 0:28:39that he's got, so we've found food everywhere.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Two ten.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Can I have another bag, please?
0:28:49 > 0:28:50Look at that.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53Never seen so many flies in your life.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00No matter how unappealing these items may seem to everyone else,
0:29:00 > 0:29:04hoarders often cling to the clutter they've collected.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08Even though he's had to accept that a clean up is necessary,
0:29:08 > 0:29:11the hoarder is still reluctant to throw anything away.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14I've got a feeling there's going to be mice in here.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18So, if that's the case, then a lot more of this stuff will have
0:29:18 > 0:29:20to go than he's probably willing to let go.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30If we can clean it, it can stay. If it can't be cleaned before
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- I leave, then it goes. - It will be clean.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36- I wish to keep... Remember, I turned round and said before.- Yeah, what?
0:29:36 > 0:29:39It will be a case of out, everybody.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43'It's all about compromise. What he can keep, what he can't keep.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47'If he starts getting a bit irate about something, we'll say,'
0:29:47 > 0:29:51"OK, if you allow us to get rid of that, then we'll allow you to keep this."
0:29:51 > 0:29:53The increase in rats and pests,
0:29:53 > 0:29:55both inside and outside of the house,
0:29:55 > 0:29:58have been a nightmare for the neighbours,
0:29:58 > 0:30:02but getting rid of vermin on this scale is no easy task.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06I've had a chat with them and advised that it's likely to
0:30:06 > 0:30:10get a bit worse before it gets better because the rats will scatter
0:30:10 > 0:30:14so they're expecting that, so once we have removed the food source we can
0:30:14 > 0:30:17do a proper pest control treatment and get that under control.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21This is one of the rat holes that we have found, this is
0:30:21 > 0:30:24an adjoining wall so this goes into next door.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28So, obviously, once the rats are under the floorboards
0:30:28 > 0:30:30they go right across the whole terrace.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34We found a big rat hole up above the fridge here.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38They are getting into upstairs through there, and that goes into the bathroom.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40They're making progress -
0:30:40 > 0:30:43and the resident is even beginning to join in.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46You all right? How you getting on up there?
0:30:46 > 0:30:47It's all right, I need some more bags.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50Oh good. What, to go?
0:30:50 > 0:30:51Here you go.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54Good. We are getting somewhere.
0:30:54 > 0:30:59I just found some Post Office savings books he said
0:30:59 > 0:31:05from 1957, which he said he was looking for so that is a good find.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07We will keep going until it is all gone.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13Two truckloads down and the house is beginning to
0:31:13 > 0:31:16reappear from under the rubbish.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20We've taken about seven tonnes of rubbish from the property,
0:31:20 > 0:31:23mainly food.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Been really good, working hard himself,
0:31:27 > 0:31:30not been too resistant about throwing anything particular away.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32- This is to go, yeah?- Yeah.- OK.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36But it's a very expensive process.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40With this particular property we're looking at around £7,000,
0:31:41 > 0:31:45which will include hopefully the pest control treatment,
0:31:45 > 0:31:48the cleaning of the property, all the way through to removal,
0:31:48 > 0:31:52officer time and unfortunately that bill does go to the home owner,
0:31:52 > 0:31:57and if you can't afford to pay that the charge gets put on the property.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01It will be worth it when we can sit down and relax and don't have
0:32:01 > 0:32:06to trip over food and everything else and clamber his way in.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09The neighbours too will be hoping their lives will
0:32:09 > 0:32:10improve from this point onwards.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14I think the neighbours are just hoping this will be the last
0:32:14 > 0:32:15time that we have to be involved
0:32:15 > 0:32:18and that there will be some help put in place for him.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22I'm really proud of you, I think you've done really fantastic.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24Although he was reluctant to clean up,
0:32:24 > 0:32:28the team have helped the resident make real progress today.
0:32:28 > 0:32:33Don't get me wrong, I know full well a lot of this is self-inflicted.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37I know but it's not an intentional way of life, is it?
0:32:37 > 0:32:39I'm sure you didn't start out thinking,
0:32:39 > 0:32:41this is how I want to live my life...
0:32:42 > 0:32:45And the team has pulled off an incredible transformation.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58There's just one final job to be done.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01The fridge has been emptied of rotten food,
0:33:01 > 0:33:05I am going to clean this and that is our final job before we go.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07You will be glad to be rid of us, won't you?
0:33:07 > 0:33:09In one sense, no disrespect intended.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13And are you going to keep it clean?
0:33:13 > 0:33:15That is our biggest question.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19- I will try. - Good, that's good to hear.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23Let's hope this is the last time the team are called to clear this
0:33:23 > 0:33:26house and that the hoarder does get help to keep his life
0:33:26 > 0:33:29and home the way he would really like it to be.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39On this programme we often see how towns and cities are magnets
0:33:39 > 0:33:42for anti-social behaviour at night-time -
0:33:42 > 0:33:46and we also see what tough measures are needed to keep it all in check.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49So it's nice to come across a group of people who are happy to get
0:33:49 > 0:33:53involved with whatever the streets may throw at them - especially
0:33:53 > 0:33:56when all they want to do spread is a little goodwill and happiness.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05London's Tower Hamlets where two worlds exist side by side.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10It's in the heart of the old East End,
0:34:10 > 0:34:15famous for welcoming generations of immigrants from all over the world.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19With a host of rich traditions
0:34:19 > 0:34:23and culture, the area an attraction to many people.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29And it's especially lively at night.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35For the Street Pastors - a Christian based group who have been
0:34:35 > 0:34:40patrolling the area since 2010 that poses plenty of challenges.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46We have a wonderful team of about 32 Street Pastors who are absolutely
0:34:46 > 0:34:51faithful and committed to going out regularly at least once a month.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54Well, God is good so shall we pray, let us pray.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57Every weekend the group meets at Street Pastor Chapel to
0:34:57 > 0:35:01prepare in body and spirit before they go on patrol.
0:35:01 > 0:35:06Their mission is founded on simple values - to engage with people on
0:35:06 > 0:35:09the streets of Tower Hamlets, to care,
0:35:09 > 0:35:11listen and help keep the peace.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14Georgina Stride is their team leader.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19Our teams are really mixed from ethnicity to class and yeah,
0:35:19 > 0:35:23we are very relaxed, we love people and we just get on with people.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25You've got your slippers? Anyone else?
0:35:25 > 0:35:29And lollipops? Lollipops and slippers.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33They pack utility bags full of items that might be
0:35:33 > 0:35:35needed in the long night ahead.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37Water, have you got your water?
0:35:38 > 0:35:40Have you got the alarms?
0:35:47 > 0:35:49Right, come on, guys.
0:35:49 > 0:35:50On leaving Street Pastor HQ
0:35:50 > 0:35:53they split up into groups of twos and threes.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57OK, so remember how we're going tonight. Carol, Raja, with me.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01Ready to deal with revellers who flock to bars,
0:36:01 > 0:36:04clubs and pubs in the area.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08My role tonight is to be the senior Street Pastor and my role is to
0:36:08 > 0:36:12take care of the team that has come out, so I have five Street Pastors
0:36:12 > 0:36:15out with me tonight. There's been an accident, let's go and have a look.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17No sooner have they hit the high road,
0:36:17 > 0:36:19than it appears a biker has taken a tumble.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23Hello, are you all right?
0:36:23 > 0:36:25Are you OK, though?
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Is there anything we can do?
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Do you want a lollipop to keep you going?
0:36:30 > 0:36:33Selling it next week, going to get less for it now, aren't I?
0:36:33 > 0:36:36Was just going along and the front went.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38Does he need medical attention?
0:36:38 > 0:36:42I think I fell away from the bike, I pulled myself away from it.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45- Thank you, darling.- Good luck, hope you're OK.
0:36:46 > 0:36:47I am gutted.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49It's the right one hurting.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51I think it's all right though.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53I don't think it's broken or nothing.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55I am going to try and stand up anyway, yeah. Be a hero on camera!
0:36:55 > 0:36:58Come on, be a hero!
0:37:00 > 0:37:01That looks good.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04All right then.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07Lollipops might not heal him but it's all
0:37:07 > 0:37:11part of the Street Pastor's mission to keep people well and happy.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15We've just come into Shoreditch and we do a little
0:37:15 > 0:37:18bit into Shoreditch then we turn back into Brick Lane.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21What we normally do is walk, we talk,
0:37:21 > 0:37:26we say hello to people - if anyone needs any help we offer them help.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29We found someone's purse, a cleaner has just found it
0:37:29 > 0:37:31and we have gone through it.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35Someone's night could be ruined by losing their purse -
0:37:35 > 0:37:37but it's found its way to safe hands.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39I might be here all day.
0:37:42 > 0:37:43Georgina springs into action...
0:37:45 > 0:37:49"If you have found this card please hand it into a bank or branch."
0:37:52 > 0:37:55I mean it's a lost card, you'd think it would be quite
0:37:55 > 0:37:57an emergency and somebody would pick up.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59Anyway, let's walk.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Karen, you are with me, you guys go ahead and I am standing back.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06The Street Pastors are part of a national network.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10With around 250 separate teams and 9,000 trained
0:38:10 > 0:38:13volunteers across the UK, they're instantly recognisable.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18- I know you guys from Watford... - Have a nice evening.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20Take care, ladies, thank you very much.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24By 10:30 the pubs and bars are rammed.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27There are plenty of late night partygoers on the streets.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31- Where you from? - Originally or like...?
0:38:31 > 0:38:33The Street Pastors are keeping an eye out,
0:38:33 > 0:38:36making sure that revellers don't come to any harm.
0:38:36 > 0:38:41'Really, just anyone we bump into, even if they've had too much
0:38:41 > 0:38:43'drink and if they're not with anybody or they need any help.'
0:38:43 > 0:38:46Generally so far, most people have been fine.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48ALL TALK AT ONCE
0:38:48 > 0:38:51Nice to meet you, have a lovely night out.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53Enjoy yourselves, but try not to overdo it!
0:38:56 > 0:38:59Their religious views aren't strictly part of the mix.
0:38:59 > 0:39:04We are not out to try and get people to convert and follow Jesus.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06I'd be stressed out if they think
0:39:06 > 0:39:09I'd try and have a debate with people - we don't do that.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11You OK?
0:39:11 > 0:39:13Do you need a drink of water?
0:39:13 > 0:39:15Have you got any water?
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Because he looks like he really is quite gone,
0:39:18 > 0:39:20not managing to get a few words out at all.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26Along the way, the Pastors draw on their utility bags,
0:39:26 > 0:39:30filled with thoughtful items for clubbers' every need.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32Mostly tonight we've given out lollipops
0:39:32 > 0:39:35and some water to people and flip-flops.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37The flip-flops are a favourite, generally for women,
0:39:37 > 0:39:40although we have given them to men sometimes,
0:39:40 > 0:39:43but women who are wearing very high heels, by the time they've
0:39:43 > 0:39:46finished partying their legs are killing them.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48This is an alarm, a panic alarm. Can you do it?
0:39:48 > 0:39:51SHRILL BEEPING
0:39:53 > 0:39:56I'm just waiting to see if anyone would come to me.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58I think it frightens people away.
0:39:58 > 0:40:04If you were being attacked, I think that would frighten the guy.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10But luckily no-one's under attack tonight, meaning Georgina can
0:40:10 > 0:40:12help the tourists find their way.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15I just find it amazing that these guys are from Spain and Italy,
0:40:15 > 0:40:19all these people have come from all over the world to
0:40:19 > 0:40:23be in Shoreditch where I was brought up and never wanted to stay.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Now everyone wants to be here.
0:40:26 > 0:40:31One of the most popular tourist spots is Brick Lane.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35It's here that Albert is patrolling, at 76 he's one of the most
0:40:35 > 0:40:36senior members of the team.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40Well, this evening, we're out in Brick Lane here,
0:40:40 > 0:40:43looking out for the community really.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45We can never tell from one night to another night
0:40:45 > 0:40:48when we go out as it is always different.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52There is no sort of set pattern at all.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Albert's happy to dedicate his nights to keeping the peace.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02Most times we don't have any... problems with people.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05Walk this way my friend, how do you do!
0:41:05 > 0:41:09SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY
0:41:11 > 0:41:14We've got to know the people in the area of course, the local
0:41:14 > 0:41:19shopkeepers and restaurants and the doormen on the doors.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21Have you been busy tonight?
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Yes, it was.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27I am out on the streets just like you, looking for trouble.
0:41:27 > 0:41:33OK, well, we don't look for trouble but have a lollipop.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37Umm, hang on, are you giving sweets to kids?
0:41:37 > 0:41:39This could be taken in the wrong way.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42No, it's all right, we give these out because people like them.
0:41:42 > 0:41:43Give me a high five, brother.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47- I like what you're doing.- Bless you, take care.- See you later.
0:41:48 > 0:41:512am and the Pastors are on their final patrol.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54Georgina is trying to stay upbeat.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Brain is slightly tired but I am trying to stay alert
0:41:59 > 0:42:02and awake because it could potentially still get quite
0:42:02 > 0:42:03lively as we make our way back.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07It's often at this time of night that things get rather messy.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15There is a lot of puke everywhere, yeah.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18I dunno who's going to clean it up but we ain't.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21I'm glad it is not one of the things we do!
0:42:21 > 0:42:23For Georgina and her crew it's the end of another
0:42:23 > 0:42:26night of keeping people safe and sound.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31I enjoy doing it, but I must admit I don't enjoy recovering
0:42:31 > 0:42:34because once I am finished I am quite hyped up
0:42:34 > 0:42:36so I can't sleep right away.
0:42:36 > 0:42:41I dunno, I sometimes don't go to bed until sometimes five o'clock in the morning,
0:42:41 > 0:42:43takes me a while to chill down.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47Proof that sometimes all it takes is a bit of good cheer to keep
0:42:47 > 0:42:49anti-social behaviour at bay.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00Well, that's your lot for today. Thanks for watching.