Habinteg works with partners to tackle anti-social behaviour | Latest news

Habinteg is working with Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team and other partner agencies to stamp out anti-social behaviour (ASB) and associated crime in and around Hemlington.

Antisocial behaviour in Hemlington has become an issue, with incidents ranging from fires to missiles thrown at emergency vehicles and windows smashed.

Partnership approach

As well as the Police, Habinteg is working closely with other agencies, including the local authority and other community partners, Fire and Rescue and community engagement projects, to tackle antisocial behaviour.

This partnership approach uses the skills, knowledge and powers of each agency to help reduce and stop further problems. It will ensure that not just the problems, but also the people who cause them are dealt with effectively.

There will be a focus on educating young people through school visits and working with youth clubs and early intervention.

Habinteg will look at the tenancy of those involved and will decide whether to act against those in breach of their tenancy. Where there are persistent problems at particular addresses, consideration will be given to closure orders issued from the courts.

Prevention & sharing information

All agencies will work together and use the powers of injunctions, criminal behaviour orders and other tools to prevent individuals carrying out further acts. Wherever possible, the police will seek prosecutions and, where appropriate, referrals will be made to social services.

All partners share information and evidence to identify those responsible for the issues and deal with them in the most effective way.

As anti-social behaviour can have a devastating effect on people's lives, all agencies are urging anyone who has been the victim of ASB to come forward and report it.

Habinteg’s Anti-Social Behaviour Officer, Michael Lawrence, said: “Habinteg takes complaints of anti-social behaviour extremely seriously and will take the appropriate steps to deal with perpetrators.

“We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that residents can enjoy their homes and live on a crime free estate.

“We understand that ASB can have a serious impact on our tenants’ quality of life. That’s why we ask them to report such behaviour directly to us, and to keep a detailed record of any incident that occurs, and when it occurs, to help us tackle ASB immediately.”

Inspector Chris Turner, from Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Team, said: “The recent antisocial behaviour around the Hemlington area has been unacceptable and as a partnership we are coming together to urge parents to be aware of where their children are and what they’re doing, and to encourage victims to report all incidents.

“Should any victim make a report they can expect that it will always be taken seriously and they will be fully supported throughout the process. If they wish to remain anonymous then this will be respected and officers will continue to address the report and concerns. Where a victim is vulnerable, or if they are a repeat victim of antisocial behaviour, we will treat them as a priority.

“Please always report to us, we cannot take action if we do not know what is happening.”

Steve Johnson, Cleveland Fire Brigade Area Manager Prevention, Protection and Engagement, said: “We work with a variety of partners in our communities to tackle issues such as deliberate fires and antisocial behaviour. These incidents divert resources away from real emergencies and put our staff in danger. We appeal to parents to ensure they know where their youngsters are and have an awareness of the dangers of fire.”

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Council, said: “We want to send the strongest message we can that some of the incidents seen in Hemlington of late will not be accepted or tolerated. All agencies are fully committed to stamping out this antisocial behaviour and alongside our partners will use every tool we can. We would urge residents to report any incidents so they can be dealt with.”

To report antisocial behaviour, please contact:

The Police

• All crimes should be reported by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency, alternatively you can use the Cleveland Police online reporting system at  www.cleveland.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/
• IN A NON-EMERGENCY ONLY - email your local policing team with any information that you think is relevant at mnptsouth@cleveland.police.uk

Middlesbrough Borough Council

• asbunit@middlesbrough.gov.uk
• 01642 726001
• Street Wardens 01642 228500 (7 days per week, from 8am to 9:30pm)
• www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/environment-and-public-protection/report-problem

Habinteg Housing

• Contact our Customer Services Team on 0300 365 3100 or emaildirect@habinteg.org.uk
• Contact our ASB Officer Michael Lawrence on 07704 345 029
• Complete an ASB feedback form at www.habinteg.org.uk/asb