Three ‘free-phone’ units used by criminals to arrange drug deals have been unplugged after complaints from local residents.
Islington Council made the decision to disconnect the services, provided by BT’s partner InLinkUK, after evidence of criminal activity in the borough.
These ‘free-phone’ units are old payphones that have been replaced by rectangular blocks around the country. They offer free wi-fi as well as charging stations.
In a statement, Islington Council said: “Since they were installed in the borough in late 2017, InLinks on Blackstock Road, Fonthill Road and Seven Sisters Road have been used to arrange drug deals through misuse of the units’ free services.
“This has led to an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour, as some people have gathered to take advantage of the free mobile calling facility offered at the InLinks to contact drug dealers.”
InLink replies to the decision from the Council
Matt Bird, general manager of InLinkUK, said: “Unfortunately, we have seen some isolated incidents where a small number of users have abused the service and we’re committed to addressing that.
“As a result of the discussions and as part of our continued efforts to better serve communities, BT and InLinkUK have temporarily removed the ability to make free phone calls to mobile phones from three InLinks in the borough.”
The companies have agreed to keep the suspension under review in conjunction with the council and local police. All other services provided by the InLinks will remain available.
Islington residents had seen this issue before
Local residents and members of the Islington Society had previously expressed opposition to the installation of the kiosks after complaints in other areas of London, including Tower Hamlets, that they facilitated criminal activity.
The society’s secretary, David Trillo, has previously criticized the units, telling the Islington Gazette that the only reason for their installation was “for the applicant [InLinkUK] to make more money from advertising. The guff about providing a public service, battery charging and connectivity is exactly that: guff.”
