Boothen and Oak Hill

Anti-social behaviour related to drug use and homelessness. These issues have had a visible and distressing impact on residents, businesses, and visitors—ranging from the presence of rough sleeper encampments and drug paraphernalia to individuals visibly under the influence in public spaces.

To address this, we have developed and implemented a dedicated disruption plan led by the neighbourhood policing team. This includes enhanced high-visibility patrols and close partnership working with the local authority, the Rough Sleeper Outreach Team, CDAS (Community Drug and Alcohol Services), and the management team at Adullam Life House. Recent activity has seen the successful clearance of multiple encampments, the issuing of a Section 34 Dispersal Order to combat anti-social behaviour, and ongoing intelligence gathering around drug supply networks in the area. We recognise that many of the individuals involved are vulnerable, and we are committed to taking a balanced approach—combining proportionate enforcement with access to support services aimed at long-term rehabilitation and stability. This enhanced focus will continue over the coming months, and we are already receiving positive feedback from the community as a result of our recent actions.

ASB Linked to Care Provisions

We have received a number of reports relating to children’s care provisions in the Boothen area and the associated anti-social behaviour occurring around these locations. We will continue to work closely with care providers to ensure they remain properly regulated and compliant with Ofsted requirements.

Our Harm Reduction Hubs are actively involved in safeguarding the children and supporting the identification of the most appropriate placements. Where offences are committed, officers will deal robustly with those responsible and use relevant legislation to secure long-term, sustainable solutions.

We are also working alongside our Early Intervention and Prevention Unit to review and consult on any proposed new care homes or probation-related properties before planning applications are submitted, helping us to manage any potential impact on the community.

Homelessness & Rough Sleeping

To address this, we have developed and implemented a dedicated disruption plan led by the neighbourhood policing team. This includes enhanced high-visibility patrols and close partnership working with the local authority, the Rough Sleeper Outreach Team, CDAS (Community Drug and Alcohol Services), and the management team at Adullam Life House. Recent activity has seen the successful clearance of multiple encampments, the issuing of a Section 34 Dispersal Order to combat anti-social behaviour, and ongoing intelligence gathering around drug supply networks in the area. We recognise that many of the individuals involved are vulnerable, and we are committed to taking a balanced approach, combining proportionate enforcement with access to support services aimed at long-term rehabilitation and stability. This enhanced focus will continue over the coming months, and we are already receiving positive feedback from the community as a result of our recent actions.

Anti-social behaviour linked to drug use

To address this, we have developed and implemented a dedicated disruption plan led by the neighbourhood policing team. This includes enhanced high-visibility patrols and close partnership working with the local authority, the Rough Sleeper Outreach Team, CDAS (Community Drug and Alcohol Services), and the management team at Adullam Life House. Recent activity has seen the successful clearance of multiple encampments, the issuing of a Section 34 Dispersal Order to combat anti-social behaviour, and ongoing intelligence gathering around drug supply networks in the area. We recognise that many of the individuals involved are vulnerable, and we are committed to taking a balanced approach—combining proportionate enforcement with access to support services aimed at long-term rehabilitation and stability. This enhanced focus will continue over the coming months, and we are already receiving positive feedback from the community as a result of our recent actions.

Vehicle Crime

Operation Alcaic continues focused on tackling vehicle crime. We now have a dedicated officer leading on this priority, and early results have already seen several key arrests. This operation closely links with our ongoing work under Operation Transom, targeting anti-social behaviour involving nuisance motorbikes. We are working in close partnership with our Roads Policing Team, using specialist tactics, NPAS (police helicopter), and drone technology to identify and apprehend offenders. These crimes are not only causing financial loss and distress to victims but also endangering the lives of both the offenders and other road users. We remain committed to taking robust enforcement action and encourage all residents to secure their bikes, keep them out of sight where possible, and report any suspicious activity or intelligence to us.

Neighbour disputes

We are identifying disputes at an early stage and take proactive steps to prevent escalation, using engagement and problem-solving approaches.
Working closely with the Community Safety Partnership (CSP), housing providers, and other partner agencies to provide a coordinated and sustainable response.
Engaging with residents to understand concerns, offer advice, and manage expectations around neighbour-related issues.

Where necessary, we will use available powers and support partners in taking enforcement action to protect victims and manage persistent offenders.

By focusing on this priority, we aim to reduce demand, improve community relationships, and create a safer, more settled environment across Boothen and Oakhill.