Brothers banned from city centre over concerns homeless people are being exploited and subjected to violence

Two brothers have been served court orders banning them from Peterborough city centre following concerns around the exploitation of homeless people.

Joseph Lamb, 34, and Fred Lamb, 42, have been served interim slavery and trafficking risk orders (STROs) following an application at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court by the Peterborough City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT).

A Cambs police spokesperson explained: “The applications were made after police received information about the brothers subjecting members of the homeless community to violence and exploitation over a prolonged period of time.

“The interim order bans Joseph, of North Road, Whittlesford, Cambridge, and Fred, of Trelowen Way, Hempsted, Peterborough, from Peterborough city centre – apart from pre-arranged medical appointments, until a final hearing which is due to be held at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on March 4 next year.”

Failure to comply with a STRO is a criminal offence which could result in imprisonment for up to five years.

Sergeant Steve Rose, from Peterborough’s City Centre NPT, commented: “Slavery and trafficking risk orders restrict the activities of an un-convicted person where there is a risk that they will commit a slavery or trafficking offence, to protect potential victims from physical or psychological harm.

“The brothers’ behaviour towards members of the homeless community in Peterborough has been concerning, with reports of violence, demands for money and threats made. They pose a very real and serious threat to the safety of vulnerable members of our society, which is why these orders have been applied for.”

Anyone with information about the brothers breaching the order should contact police via the web chat service or online forms at www.cambs.police.uk/report.

Those without internet access should call 101.