Tottenham car park where two women were murdered still unsafe, residents say

The B&M car park on Tottenham High Road, where two women were murdered in 2025, remains a site of persistent antisocial behaviour and drug use, residents and a local shopkeeper have told the BBC. Simon Levy was jailed for life earlier this year for the murders of Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo in March 2025 and Sheryl Wilkins in August 2025, as well as the rape of a third woman in the same car park.

Residents report no change since killings

Annem Hobson, a resident of nine years, said she felt immediate anger when Wilkins was found dead. She has campaigned for better security for sex workers who use the car park, particularly at night. The site, which is open 24 hours, is completely dark after dark, with no CCTV or safeguarding measures in place.

Hobson told the BBC she has repeatedly asked Tottenham Hotspur, B&M and the Metropolitan Police for action but received only vague responses. "We’ve been given non-answers for six years," she said. "Then for it to end in somebody’s life being taken, it was just instant anger."

A local shopkeeper, who asked not to be named, said two assaults in his shop in recent months remain unresolved despite police reports. He described feeling abandoned by authorities. "Addicts come in and out constantly," he said. "We’ve had to stop conversations mid-sentence because of the disruption."

Ownership and legal disputes delay action

The car park is owned by Tottenham Hotspur but leased to B&M. The land has been earmarked for redevelopment, but a long-running legal dispute has stalled progress. Because the site is private, police and the council have limited powers to intervene directly.

Haringey Council said it recognises public outrage over safety concerns. A spokesperson told the BBC the council has worked with police and partners to secure environmental improvements, such as enhanced lighting and CCTV. However, they acknowledged that the issues extend beyond physical changes to the site.

Tottenham Hotspur said it has engaged with B&M about concerns raised and reminded the company of its responsibilities as the operator. B&M responded by saying it takes its responsibility seriously and is working with the landlord to implement security measures by the end of September 2026. The company also called on the Metropolitan Police to take "firm and effective action" against illegal activity.

The Metropolitan Police said it has deployed specialist officers across Haringey and Enfield to protect people involved in street-based sex work. The force said its work includes apprehending those who exploit vulnerable people and rebuilding trust through partnerships with charities and local authorities.

What happens next

B&M has committed to implementing security measures by the end of September 2026. These are expected to include improved lighting and CCTV. However, residents say they have heard similar promises before without seeing results. Haringey Council has not specified a timeline for resolving the legal dispute over the site’s redevelopment.