1 week Ago By [email protected] (Eloise Gilmore)
A council’s work, alongside other partners, has helped to contribute to a drop in anti-social behaviour in the district. The latest performance report has shown a 12% decrease in anti-social behaviour across the district between April 1 and July 31 compared to the same period last year. At the council’s Policy and Performance Improvement Committee meeting on Tuesday, September 3, the portfolio holder for public protection and community relations, Paul Taylor, presented a report to councillors on the work achieved to date by the council in reducing anti-social behaviour.
Over the last year, the council has granted three injunctions on under 16s, held several anti-social behaviour submits and undertook a refresh of the anti-social behaviour panel, increased the visibility of community protection officers, as well as starting delivery of a programme of diversionary activities through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Localities Fund. A full CCTV review has been undertaken and a business case for an in-house CCTV monitoring developed, resources increased within community safety and private sector housing teams, and the authority has set up a new sanctuary scheme to ensure safety measures for properties affected by domestic violence. It has also seen the completion of Safer Streets Four, in collaboration with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and the commencement of Safer Streets Five in Balderton, which will run until March 2025.
Mr Taylor said: “These figures give us confirmation that our work is paying off and overall anti-social behaviour across the district has gone down. We know that anti-social behaviour can have a negative impact on the quality of life of our residents and businesses, and we are committed to working with our partners and communities to address it. "While some of these figures are encouraging, we are very well aware that anti-social behaviour continues to affect residents and businesses and we’ll continue to do all we can to bring in new initiatives to reduce this unacceptable activity.
“Recently, we introduced new measures to tackle anti-social behaviour in Newark and across the district. This includes the use of high-definition CCTV cameras in Newark Town Centre and the introduction of new public space protection orders. “Anti-social behaviour has a devastating effect on victims and the community, and we will continue to invest into the safety of our residents.
I also urge anyone who witnesses or experiences anti-social behaviour to report it to Nottinghamshire Police or the district council, so that we can take appropriate action." Castle ward (15%) and Beacon ward (8%) have both recorded drops in incidents between April 1 and July 31 compared to the same period last year, and in July this year, Devon ward saw a 21% drop compared to July 2023 and Balderton North saw a 44% drop. Outside of Newark, Ollerton ward, Boughton ward, Rainworth South and Blidworth wards have also seen a decrease in July 2024 compared to the same month last year.
However, there are ongoing challenges in Bridge ward, where a 117% increase was recorded in July 2024 compared to July 2023. The council and Nottinghamshire Police have assured they are taking ‘robust action’ to deal with this and encourage residents to report any incidents they witness. Inspector Charlotte Ellam, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, said: “Cracking down on reports of anti-social behaviour is a longstanding priority for our neighbourhood policing team because we know how much of an impact this offending can have on people’s lives.
“Our officers do so much work each day to target anti-social behaviour in Newark and Sherwood, with much of this involving us teaming up with our key partners, like Newark and Sherwood District Council. “While we appreciate that more still needs to be done to tackle anti-social behaviour, it is pleasing to see this ongoing work has resulted in positive strides being taken towards improving this issue.” The neighbourhood policing team’s multi-faceted approach to driving down anti-social behaviour — which includes a dedicated rapid-response vehicle, hotspot patrols, and town centre hub — has also significantly contributed to the decrease in incidents.
A fifth anti-social behaviour summit will be held this month, typically attended by representatives of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Nottinghamshire Police, Youth Services and Youth Justice Team and the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner. To report anti-social behaviour to the council use the online reporting form or contact the authority via email or phone. To report non-urgent anti-social behaviour contact the police on 101.
If a crime is in progress or life is in danger, dial 999..
