Bringing back Respect
05-MAR-10
Issued by: Duncan Bennett
Nuisance neighbours were told to change their ways during a joint North Tyneside Council and Northumbria Police initiative.
The latest Operation Respect took place in Forest Hall, Killingworth, Dudley and Wideopen.
It included high visibility early morning visits, requests to attend Acceptable Behaviour Agreement surgeries and joint letters advising communities of joint action.
The operation, held on Wednesday 3 March, was run by the council's Safer Estates Team and the Killingworth Neighbourhood Policing Team based in Forest Hall. Results included:
- Eighteen people were called to attend Acceptable Behaviour Agreement surgeries being held next week.
- Twelve residents received an early morning visit by the Safer Estates Team and police. Three tenants of private rented accommodation and two homeowners were warned that the council would seek injunctions if their behaviour did not improve. Seven council tenants were served with legal action notices, which warned that their homes were at risk if there were any further complaints about their behaviour, members of their household or their visitors.
- 400 joint letters were delivered to homes in streets in which a resident had received a warning about their behaviour. The letter reassured residents that a problem of anti-social behaviour in their street was being addressed and gave direct line telephone numbers as well as incident diary sheets.
In the past year Operation Respect has been carried out in North Shields, Whitley Bay, Shiremoor, Wallsend, and Howdon.
Last October, the Safer Estates Team was one of three finalists in the national Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group's (SLCNG) Awards for the success of Operation Respect.
The team was recognised for its "exemplary practice in resolving anti-social behaviour incidents or issues in a specific neighbourhood and delivering measurable results."
Colin Boxshall, Safer Estates manager said "Operation Respect is an extremely effective way of reinforcing the message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, and tough action will be taken against those responsible.
"We are committed to the Respect standard which commits the council in doing all it can to tackle anti-social behaviour and create a culture of respect".
Inspector Paul Young, of the Killingworth Neighbourhood Policing Team of North Tyneside Area Command, said: "Northumbria Police works closely with North Tyneside Council's Safer Estates Team to deal effectively with the small minority whose anti-social behaviour causes problems for the law abiding majority.
"We want to makes sure residents feel safe in their neighbourhoods and together we will take any necessary action. I'd like to remind people if they do have any concerns about crime and disorder where they live, they should contact their local neighbourhood policing team on 03456 043 043 ext 69191."
ENDS