ABCs prove a great starting point in reducing ASB in Kingstanding
A COMMUNITY safety project launched by West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council in response to public concerns about anti-social behaviour in Kingstanding is being hailed a success.
Residents and businesses in an area, known locally as ‘the Charlie’, contacted their neighbourhood policing team to raise concerns about the behaviour of some of the younger members of the local community and the impact their actions were having on the lives of local people.
Complaints ranged from graffiti to criminal damage and the general behaviour of the youngsters was found to be intimidating by people living, working or using the buses in the area.
PC Kerry Healey said: “The local area is made up of a number of residential properties, businesses and has a busy bus network that runs through it. Therefore, the behaviour of a small proportion of the community has the potential to impact on the lives of many people.
“We joined Birmingham Community Safety Partnership’s Safer Communities Officers, Housing Officers, Youth Crime Prevention officers and colleagues from Safer Travel to speak with the people raising these concerns, as well as the youngsters themselves and listened to their views as we set about resolving this issue.”
Following this meeting, 31 individuals, with an average age of 14, were identified and a plan was created for each one to stop them from engaging in anti-social behaviour in the area.
Some of the young people did not realise the consequences that their behaviour was having on their local community, and the impact that crime at a young age could have on their future life.
A letter home to their parents and a discussion with the police and partner agencies led to an immediate improvement in their behaviour.
Officers also decided nineteen of the individuals should be placed on ABC Contracts. ABCs (Acceptable Behaviour Contracts) are voluntary agreements between the police and agencies and people involved in anti social behaviour. Those on the contracts agree not to behave or display anti social behaviour.
PC Healey added: “The ABCs were the first stage of our plan. Those who chose to ignore their plans were at risk of being given an ASBO or even having their family lose their home.
“In the three months since signing up to the scheme, all of the young people have changed their behaviour. Some now attend full time education and others have jobs sticking to the promises they made at the start of the project.
“As a local officer I have noticed a huge change in the area. We‘re receiving less calls reporting ASB and there seems to be an increased sense of pride - the feedback from the shop keepers and residents who originally contacted us has reflected this.”
Feedback from the parents of those involved in the project has also been very positive. One mother even took her children to the police station after seeing reports of ASB on a local bus in the media. Since signing up to ABCs, the pair have maintained a strong link with all agencies and there has been a noticeable improvement in their behaviour.
Another parent was appalled that her son had been causing issues in the local community. Her son did not realise the impact his behaviour and a possible criminal record could have on his future career prospects.
For some parents, there was an initial reluctance to accept their children had been responsible for issues in the area. This was the case for one parent but after meeting with the police and council, her son has got a full time job and turned his back on casing trouble.
“All of the groups involved in the project will continue to build on these early successes and support every part of the local community to reduce the impact of antisocial behaviour.”
In north Birmingham, there was a 32% reduction in anti-social behaviour during the two week period that covered Bonfire Night and Halloween when compared to the same time last year.
Traditionally reports increase during this period and with the darker nights here, officers will continue to work on projects such as this one in Kingstanding to reduce the potential for anti social behaviour.
Councillor Khan, Cabinet Member for Local Services and Community Safety commented: “We understand that working with these young people is a priority to prevent them from becoming involved in causing further ASB. The support from parents and the wider community in this project evidences how we can make a difference by working together.”
Rob Spencer Birmingham City Council”s ASB housing officer (who was the team leader for this project), PCSO Peter Brown, Sergeant Paul Kearns, PCSO Saul Smith and PC Kerry Healey.
