A shanty town comprised of rough sleepers from Eastern Europe has reappeared near London's Marble Arch, with individuals reportedly engaging in begging, pickpocketing, and theft, primarily targeting tourists. The encampment, situated at the corner of Park Lane and Oxford Street, features individuals congregating on litter-strewn benches surrounded by shopping trolleys filled with belongings.
According to reports, some individuals in the group have admitted to lacking proper documentation for work and describe their lives as difficult. Local workers suggest that the group, which includes individuals from Romania, arrives in London annually to coincide with the tourist high season and the lead-up to the Winter Wonderland event in Hyde Park, with some returning home between these periods.
Previous encampments on Park Lane have led to significant costs for Transport for London (TfL) and Westminster City Council, who have spent thousands of pounds on clearing operations, only for the same individuals to return. This year, the group is reportedly bedding down each night in the covered walkway outside a flagship Marks & Spencer store on Oxford Street, having been banned from the premises due to alleged thefts of items including steak and alcohol. A security guard at the store stated that the group has caused considerable problems over the years, with some individuals having resorted to violence during confrontations.
Workers from nearby businesses have described the encampment as a "well-oiled gang" and a "professional" operation, with distinct roles for begging, pickpocketing, and shoplifting. Baristas at a local Pret a Manger have observed shift work among those begging, with individuals taking turns to solicit money. Some individuals have reportedly been seen leaving the country after the tourist season, only to return a few months later.
Reports indicate that other businesses in the area, including Sainsbury's, have also experienced issues with theft, with items such as chocolate and magazines being stolen. Some stores are reportedly using facial recognition technology to alert staff when individuals with a history of trouble enter the premises. In one instance, an individual allegedly stole over £100 worth of Ferrero Rocher chocolates.
Westminster City Council acknowledged the situation, with Councillor David Harvey stating that the authority is "actively responding" to the challenges posed by rough sleepers from both the UK and overseas. He emphasized that public spaces should not be used for long-term encampments and that anti-social behavior would be addressed through enforcement action.
A TfL spokesperson commented that the area is not a safe place for people to sleep rough and that those who have previously occupied the site have been informed that returning is not an option. TfL stated that it continues to collaborate with Westminster City Council's outreach teams to connect individuals with available support services and to monitor the area.