I lived, and worked, in central London during the late 1960's, and in those days scenes such as below simply didn't exist; nor did they exist over the subsequent few decades.
In fact, had someone been found sleeping rough in an Oxford Street doorway, he or she would have been moved-on at once; we used to have 'bobbies on the beat' in those days.
Since the immigrant 'shanty town' in Hyde Park, opposite Park Lane, has finally been demolished (after several years), those same immigrants have simply moved up the road, and are sleeping-rough outside the big John Lewis store. They all seem to have nice white duvets and mattresses, but who is providing them is unclear. I'm sure the up-market store's management team can't be happy with the situation.
Why have they not been either moved-on, or even deported? What do these people think they're doing? This is a major tourist area, in one of the world's greatest cities.
In Park Lane, the residents of the very expensive apartments overlooking the park complained that the squatters were peeing and pooing all over the place without shame. Eventually they were evicted, and all their rubbish taken away. Now the 40 or so (mostly, I believe, Romanians) have moved into the prestigious Oxford Street, where they spend their daytimes begging (or possibly picking a pocket or two).
These people have to be dealt with AT ONCE, not after lengthy 'enquiries' and hand-wringing. What is happening to central London is unacceptable.
p.s. If planning a trip to Oxford Street, remember NOT to take your mobile phone, your expensive watch, or anything in your pockets. If you intend buying anything keep your credit card in your shoe. A small pocket-sized Pepper Spray should be permanently held in your best squirting hand. This is no joke!
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