Merseyside Police have been praised for their strong partnership links with St Helens Council and other partners in tackling anti social behaviour (ASB). 

 

They were commended for the joint work around the identification of ASB hotspots,  vulnerable/repeat victims and offenders following a review by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC). 

 

They also looked at information held by partners at regular meetings, ensuring that continuing problems can be identified at an early stage and are dealt with promptly and effectively. 

 

One highlight of successful partnership working with St.Helens Council was in Station Road, Haydock.  By working together with the local residents three members of an anti-social family who occupied three properties in the street were challenged.  Their collective behaviour brought untold misery, including noise nuisance and disturbances to the normally quiet street.   Residents came forward and provided the evidence required for the Landlords to take action against each tenant.  All three family members have now moved from the street, bringing much relief to residents. 

 

A Station Road resident praised the Safer Communities Partnership for 'Making the street a better place to live again'. 

Another thanked the partnership for their prompt response and our actions have "made it possible for us to start living our lives again". 

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Environmental Protection and Safer Communities welcomed the report adding:  "Our partnership work with the police to crack down on anti social behaviour is one of our top priorities.  The report acknowledges this vital work at the highest of levels." 

 

HM Inspector of Constabulary for the Northern Region, Roger Baker, said:  "Anti-social behaviour is a blight that can wreck lives and communities. Our review shows that Merseyside Police has continued to improve how it tackles the problem, and that victim satisfaction is higher than the national figures for England and Wales. The force should be commended for this - especially as it comes against the backdrop of significant budget cuts across the Service. 

 

"However, there is no room for complacency. In particular, Merseyside Police should ensure repeat and vulnerable callers are identified at the first point of contact. This progress is therefore only the first step in delivering a much better service to victims." 

The full report for Merseyside Police, along with the national thematic review 'A Step in the Right Direction', can be found at www.hmic.gov.uk