ASB concerns in Staffordshire continue to be tackled in partnership approach

Anti-social behaviour is a key priority for so many members of our communities in Staffordshire, and that’s why we’re taking action alongside local partners to achieve results that matter.

Today (Monday 18 November), marks the launch of ASB Awareness Week, which sees police forces, fire services, local authorities and national partners working together to recognise the impact that this type of crime can have on people, and what we can do to stop it.

Today, ASB Awareness Week is focusing on Partnership Day, and what agencies are doing collectively to combat crime and anti-social behaviour on our streets.

We’re working hard each and every day with local authorities across Staffordshire to tackle reports of anti-social behaviour and to act on the main concerns of our residents and businesses.

In Stoke-on-Trent, we launched an initiative called Making Great Places alongside Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Commissioner’s Office, to robustly tackle ASB and criminal activity that has been adversely affecting local areas.

In a single week of action, we arrested two people on suspicion of public order offences, five vehicles were seized, 14 parking enforcement notices were issued, three fly-tipping sites were cleared, eight letters were served to properties in poor condition, 24 derelict properties were checked over and 12 new businesses were signed up to a crime support scheme.

Before that, we listened to what communities were telling us in Fenton and arrested 40 suspects, searched nine properties and seized seven vehicles alongside the city council. 

Chief Inspector Laura Davies, from the Stoke North local policing team, leads on ASB for the force and is part of the Making Great Places initiative. She said: “Anti-social behaviour can affect so many people in different ways. Tackling it effectively can only be done if police forces and local partners are working together each and everyday to understand these issues properly and what can be done to stop them.

“It’s really pleasing to see such a strong relationship in Staffordshire with local authorities and support agencies who are working as a team to tackle all manner of issues, from fly tipping, drug use, noise complaints, to the highest level of organised crime.”

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “Reports of anti-social behaviour in Staffordshire have reduced significantly over recent years.

“However, ASB can destroy communities and relationships, leaving people feeling isolated and vulnerable. ASB is also one of the issues residents tell me about the most when I speak to them. Therefore, it remains a top priority in my most recent Police & Crime plan.

“Partnership working is key to identifying and reducing ASB in communities. Earlier this year, the Commissioner’s Office led on a project which has seen uniformed community wardens work alongside Staffordshire Police and other partners to patrol areas identified as hotspots for ASB. The scheme has been a success with wardens and diversionary officers providing over 11,000 hours of extra support in total so far.

“I also commission a service called ASB Harmony which is a support service for all victims of ASB in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”

Our work to combat ASB was recognised by the charity ASB Help last year, when we were given ASB Pledge status after working with partners to create a clear process to assist victims in Staffordshire. Read more about the pledge here