Dispersal Order reduces Anti-Social Behaviour in Peterlee Close
The order, now concluded, enabled Police and Police Community Support Officers, who had reasonable grounds for believing that the presence or behaviour of a group of two or more persons in the area had resulted, or was likely to result, in any members of the public being intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed, to
· direct away,
· disperse
· and prohibit a return within 24 hours.
· Individuals who failed to abide were liable to arrest.
Merseyside Police supported the order by maintaining a high visible presence in the area to discourage the gathering of groups which resulted in the need to use direction, dispersal and prohibition powers.
How successful has the Order been?
A number of local residents were asked to participate in a survey recently to measure if the dispersal order had made a difference to them. The results of the survey evidenced: -
13% of participants had a high level of perceived Anti-Social behaviour, a reduction of 13% compared to the St Helens Place survey of 2008.
63 % of participants were of the opinion that the order had reduced Anti-Social behaviour in the area.
90% of participants indicated that vandalism was not a very big problem in their area, an increase of 27% compared to the St Helens Place survey of 2008.
63% of participants indicated that youths hanging around were not a very big problem in their area, an increase of 16% compared to the St Helens Place survey of 2008.
80% of participants indicated that people being drunk or rowdy was not a very big problem in their area, an increase of 14% compared to the St Helens Place survey of 2008.
77% of participants indicated that people dealing or using drugs was not a very big problem in their area an increase of 19% compared to the St Helens Place survey of 2008.
100% of participants indicated that abandoned vehicles were not a very big problem in their area an increase of 4% compared to the St Helens Place survey of 2008.
87% of participants indicated that litter was not a very big problem in their area an increase of 25% compared to the St Helens Place survey of 2008.
90% of participants indicated that Noisy Neighbours was not a very big problem in their area an increase of 3% compared to the St Helens Place survey of 2008.
Calls for Service (Rowdiness) to Police
The number of calls for service in the Thatto Heath ward (which covers Sutton Heath) for rowdiness between October 2009 and the end of March 2010 was 163 calls compared to 230 for the similar period in 2008/09, a 29% reduction.
Working together
Inspector Debrah Rayment, Neighbourhood Police Inspector responsible for the Sutton Heath area said “My Neighbourhood staff have worked closely with partners and residents to make Sutton Heath a better place to live. The dispersal order was introduced in response to concerns about gangs of youths who behaved in an Anti-Social manner. Those individuals were also targeted and challenged. A significant amount of Anti-Social behaviour was associated with visitors and residents of one particular property, and the resident was appropriately challenged and informed of the consequences of continuance of that behaviour. My staff and 1 with our partners continue to monitor that situation.
The results of the survey shows that our work and the dispersal order have made a tangible difference and had a positive impact on feelings of safety in the community. However I am aware of the issues that face local residents and in partnership with St Helens Council and Helena Partnerships our message is that Anti-Social behaviour will not be tolerated in the area and we will continue to take action against those responsible”.
What next?
Perpetrators of Anti-Social behaviour will continue to be targeted as part of the Neighbourhood Action Group, which consists of amongst others, Merseyside Police, St Helens Council, Helena Partnerships and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.
If you are suffering from Anti-Social behaviour, do not suffer in silence. You can report incidents to Merseyside Police on 0151 709 6010 or if you have information about those behaving in an Anti-Social manner, you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.