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Community Safety Newsletter

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Community Safety Newsletter

Antisocial Behaviour

South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership is working to reassure residents that South Staffordshire continues to be a safe place to live.

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is something that can affect a person’s quality of life and there are various steps that can be taken to address it.

Neighbour Disputes:

  • Firstly, it’s important to recognise, accept and understand the different lifestyles of other people. Many neighbour disputes and complaints are misunderstandings or one-off events, which can be easily resolved by just speaking to each other.
  • Secondly if you have a problem with a neighbour, you should try to speak to them about the situation before involving other agencies.
  • If you feel you have been the victim of antisocial behaviour you can contact ASB Harmony at Victim Support on 0330 1757 258 for specialist support and advice.
  • Lots of people often wrongly mistake some behaviours as antisocial behaviour, when they are not. Examples of things that are not considered anti-social behaviour include children playing ball games; parking disputes; or disputes about property boundaries and land ownership. For issues involving boundaries, land or property ownership you should get civil advice from a solicitor or can contact the Citizens Advice Bureau on 0808 278 7874.
  • South Staffordshire Council, Staffordshire Police and Registered Social Landlords have powers to tackle anti-social behaviour.
  • Antisocial behaviour should be reported to your Tenancy Officer if you are a tenant of a Registered Social Landlord.
  • Behaviour such as littering, dog fouling, graffiti or fly tipping falls within environmental crime and can be reported to South Staffordshire Council Fly-tipping and environmental crime.

Councillor Mike Davies, cabinet member of Community Services, said: “There are organisations who can help you tackle anti-social behaviour and offer support and advice. The Community Safety Partnership encourages mediation to help you and your neighbour(s) to work through your differences and find solutions. Mediation is available  through the Victim Support ASB Harmony service who will support you through the process”.

If there are any threats of violence or anyone is in immediate danger please call the police on 999.

ASB Harmony Helpline 0330 1757 258 (Mon – Fri 9am-5pm). Out of hours helpline 0808 16 89 111.

The ASB Case Review

An ASB Case Review is available for those who think their complaint of anti-social behaviour has not been dealt with appropriately. If an incident of anti-social behaviour has been reported on three separate occasions to one or more organisations within a timeframe of 6 months, the ASB Case Review offers the ability to request a review of a specific case. If the locally defined threshold is met.

If you wish to apply for an ASB Case Review you can call Staffordshire Police on 101 (explain that you wish to apply for an ASB Case Review) or you can also apply online at www.staffordshire.police.uk

 

Community Nuisance

Anti-social behaviour has seen an increase of 15% with off-roadbikes, e-scooters, and electric bikes having had an upsurge in use over the last 12 months.

South Staffordshire Community Safety Partners have been working together to monitor and tackle this issue with Public Spaces Protection Orders, Fixed Penalty Notices, Section 59 Signage (to enable police to seize vehicles), QR code signage for ease of reporting on the Railway Walk and in Baggeridge Country Park and police operations across the district using drone capability.

Councillor Mike Davies, cabinet member of community services, said: “I encourage anyone who sees this type of nuisance to report it. Reporting anti-social behaviour can be done online on the Staffordshire Police website or by calling 101. Similarly, it can be reported online to South Staffordshire Council. Community Safety is everyone’s responsibility, so let’s all work together and help partners to target hotspot locations to seize vehicles and fine those acting in a anti-social manner. Make a difference within your communities”.

If you see any vehicle or community nuisance report it to Staffordshire Police on https://www.staffordshire.police.uk 

You can also report anti-social behaviour to South Staffordshire Council at https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk or communitysafety@sstaffs.gov.uk

Keeping your vehicles safe

There is a reported increase in vehicle crime for the first time in the last two years.

Help to keep your vehicle safe as it can take a thief just 10 seconds to steal something from your vehicle.

Protect your belongings from theft:

  • Remove or hide valuables when you leave your vehicle
  • Close windows and the sun roof to prevent ‘fishing’ through the gap
  • Secure anything that’s on the outside of your vehicle (roof boxes etc) with additional locks

It doesn’t take long for a thief to steal your vehicle

Protect your vehicle from being stolen:

  • Keep your keys hidden and use a signal blocking pouch to prevent keyless theft
  • Lock it (and check it!) before you walk away
  • Choose a secure or well-lit parking spot
  • Increase security by using steering and pedal locks or consider installing a ghost immobiliser

To report a crime: if it’s in progress call 999, otherwise call 101 or report online at https://www.staffordshire.police.uk

Taking Action through partnership working

Perton has seen a 15% reduction in anti-social behaviour. With the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order and a Youth Project working with young people through activities.

Staffordshire Police have arrested offenders in Penkridge who have been involved in drug related activities. They are now in custody and investigations are ongoing.