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HCDA "dirty tricks" break in?

01 March 1995

The Hackney Community Defence Campaign (HCDA), who have carried out extensive investigations into corruption at Stoke Newington police station, were burgled over the Christmas period. They suspect that the Special Branch (or MI5) was responsible. The break-in occurred in the early hours of December 23 and a computer and fax machine were stolen, a video machine was smashed and graffiti sprayed on the walls. It took place on the eve of HCDA participating in a picket of Stoke Newington police station in protest at the death of Shiji Lapite who died there a week previously (see Statewatch vol 5 no 1). The HCDA suspect that Special Branch (or MI5) involvement centred around a new project, known as Defendants' Information Service (DIS), that holds a store of information on 900 police officers who have allegedly been involved in crime, violence and drug-dealing. In a statement following the break-in the HCDA said: "The burglary indicates that the state is fearful of the information which HCDA... has collected, particularly on police violence and crime." They are appealing for financial support to replace the equipment that was damaged and to increase security on the building. HCDA can be contacted at The Colin Roach Centre, 10a Bradbury Street, London N16. Tel. 0171 249 8086 or 0193; The DIS can be contacted on 0181 806 4952.