Campaigners speak out after ‘one of largest police raids on Ridley Road in recent memory’

Ridley Road Shopping Village. Photograph: Johann Arens

Campaigners have hit out after an “intimidating, disrespectful and traumatising” police raid at a popular shopping village in Dalston.

Police made “eight simultaneous searches of business premises contained within the Ridley Road Market”.

Campaign group Save Ridley Road said around 50 officers were involved in the operation, “making it one of the largest to take place on Ridley Road in recent memory”.

Police have been criticised for allegedly confiscating traders’ phones, laptops and money, including rent money due to the Shopping Village landlord the following day.

One trader had a piggy bank of small change that he was putting aside for holidays taken away.

A spokesperson for the local police force said: “As with any policing investigation, any items seized are done so as evidence, and records of this retention are kept. Those who are under investigation are able to make reasonable enquiries about their property with an investigating officer.”

Campaigner Danny Hayward said: “The police raid comes at an important moment for the Shopping Village. Hackney Council is soon to take over the lease for the ground floor retail units. It is currently debating with traders the terms on which they will rent their shops from the council.”

Hackney Council will be taking over the site once a refurbishment is completed.

A council spokesman said it had no involvement in the police raid and rejected rumours that it had.

A police spokeswoman said they had search warrants from Stratford Magistrates’ Court.

Officers arrested six people for alleged drugs offences and five of those people for possessing offensive weapons.

They said they dealt with a further three drugs offences.

All the people arrested have been bailed pending further investigation.

Hackney neighbourhoods superintendent Vincent Peters said  “Our Safer Neighbourhood teams are committed to responding to concerns from our residents regarding anti-social behaviour and criminal activity that occur within our communities.

“This activity was direct action against some of those concerns.”

He added: “Ridley Road has a vibrant marketplace in the heart of Hackney and it is important both traders and visitors feel safe in this space.”

The Save Ridley Road campaign was started in 2018 to help traders at the indoor Shopping Village who had been served with eviction notices. This came after a police raid.

In 2020, a planning application to turn the building into five luxury flats, offices and stalls for 22 traders was withdrawn following public opposition.

The owner has been working with Hackney Council to improve the building, with better toilets, increased storage space for traders, and a cafe.

The agreement means the landlord will pick up the tab for the work, including replacement windows, new paint, and layout changes designed to discourage anti-social behaviour and crime.

Last year, traders were left confused when they were issued with notices to quit by their private landlord.

The council stepped in to reassure them that “all traders will be guaranteed a similar-sized space in the refurbished market under the council’s ownership”.

The council is taking over the ownership and management of the ground and first floors of the Shopping Village after agreeing a 15-year lease.

It is hoping that the refurbishment work will be completed by the autumn.