ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR CRACKDOWN
28 FEBRUARY 2006
From the WMDC Press and Communications Office
Four
teenagers who intimidated South Elmsall residents have been given
anti-social behaviour orders.
The
action taken by Wakefield Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Unit and the South
East Neighbourhood Policing Team is part of an ongoing operation to make the
area safer.
Cllr
Peter Loosemore, Cabinet Portfolio Holder For Community Safety and
Neighbourhoods, Wakefield Council, said: "We all have a right to live
free from harassment. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and we are
doing everything we can to protect the public. We would urge more people to
report it and contact us."
The
bolt-on anti-social behaviour orders, which last for two years, were made at
Pontefract Youth Court in January 2006 and December 2005.
Susanne
Wharton, Senior Case Officer of the South East Team, Anti-Social Behaviour
Unit, Wakefield Council, said: "These juveniles were part of a group
intimidating local residents and causing them to fear for their safety. We
want to reassure the community we are doing all we can to make the area
safer."
The
ASBOs prohibit the 16-year-old males from entering certain areas in South
Elmsall, associating with one another and acting in a manner likely to cause
harassment, alarm or distress.
A
night time curfew is also included for the first six months.
Warning
letters and acceptable behaviour contracts have been issued to other
individuals in the area.
Inspector
Steve Jaques, of the South East Neighbourhood Policing Team, added:
"The police, the council and other agencies have made great strides
improving the community's quality of life during the last year. We will
continue the good work by tackling anti-social behaviour and reducing
offences across the board."
The
former mining town has been affected by high unemployment, anti-social
behaviour, drugs misuse, burglary and violent crime.
But
police say reports of anti-social behaviour, shop theft and burglary have
almost halved and theft of vehicles has fallen since measures have been
taken in the last 12 months.
These
include the introduction of the South East Neighbourhood Policing Team
comprising 24 officers. Two police constables and two police community
support officers cover South Elmsall.
Other
action includes:
-
Issuing
successful drug warrants. A number of drug dealers have received
custodial sentences.
-
An
operation funded by Wakefield and District Housing led to a crack house
closure on Albany Crescent. Other problems on the street, including
litter and graffiti, have been tackled.
-
Wakefield
Council and the South East Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted
'environmental visual audits' on streets throughout South Elmsall for
litter, graffiti, dog fouling, poor lighting and abandoned cars. They
have been cleaned up by Wakefield Council.
-
West
Yorkshire Trading Standards carried out sting operations at licensed
premises. A number of shops received £80 fixed penalty tickets for
selling alcohol to juveniles.
-
Wakefield
District Community Safety Partnership, which includes the council, the
police and other agencies, is urging more people to report anti-social
behaviour. It is also supporting the Government's Respect agenda to
improve communities' quality of life.
To
report anti-social behaviour telephone the It's Your Call hotline on 0845 8
506 506.
Ref:
PR729
Date: 28/02/06
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