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Residents take stand against thugs
Residents in Walsall have told Beacon Radio how they took a stand against a group of 60 young people terrorising their estate.
They told us gangs would smash windows, drink and fight on the streets and scare locals on Western Avenue.
This resident who didn't want to be named told Beacon they suffered years of abuse:
"They'd use the area as toilets, they were fighting, one time they fell through a window in the fish shop from their fighting, we'd have it until 2-3am in the morning"
The brave locals came forward to the police to highlight the bad behaviour on their doorsteps, and helped identify the main troublemakers, local agencies were able to take swift action. Within weeks 61 youths had been identified, prompting the authorities to take action against them and their parents.
CCTV cameras installed on the estate in response to these problems proved to be a key element as footage was shown to parents of some young people who falsely denied causing trouble in the area.
During the crackdown..
- 61 warning letters were issued
- 10 Acceptable Behaviour Contracts were handed out
- Three letters banning young people from the area were issued
- Packs were issued to parents informing them of positive activities taking place in the community for young people
- Interviews were carried out with Housing Association tenants warning them of the consequences of their children's behaviour
- Five arrests were made following two incidents at the local shops
- Improvements were made to the area to remove 'blind spots' where young people congregated
Crime Reduction Minister Alan Campbell said:
"We know the vast majority of young people are decent and law abiding. However, the fear and intimidation caused by gangs of rowdy or aggressive young people should not be underestimated. If people are afraid to leave their homes after dark for fear of becoming the victim of crime and antisocial behaviour, that is utterly unacceptable.
"The work carried out here in Western Avenue by residents, the local authority, police and housing association, shows what can be achieved when people take a stand and say 'enough is enough'.
"It is only through the community coming together and presenting a united front that we can hope to tackle this type of insidious and unpleasant behaviour that blights communities and ruins people's lives."
Acting Chief Inspector Lisa Robson, from Bloxwitch Police Station, told Beacon Radio:
"The reductions in crime and antisocial behaviour that have been achieved in Western Avenue really are examples of multi-agency working at its very best. It is due to the commitment and dedication of partners that the impact in this area has been so huge.
"Also vital in the work that has been carried out has been the input from local residents. As partners we have listened to the concerns of the community, and residents have been able to really influence the work that has been carried out. They have helped to make their community a safer place in which to live and work.”
Councillor Garry Perry, chair of Safer Walsall Partnership, said:
"I am very proud of the people living in this community and it shows just what can be achieved when residents join forces in partnership with the likes of the police, council and other agencies to tackle the problem head on.
"People should be able to live anywhere they choose without fear. The fear factor that even a small crowd of young people can inflict on a neighbourhood should not be underestimated.
"Antisocial behaviour is unacceptable and the success of stamping out this problem in Western Avenue hopefully sends out a message to gangs of youths everywhere that their actions will not be tolerated and a tough stance will be taken against them."
Police have told Beacon that recorded crime in Walsall showed an 11 per cent reduction between 07/08 and 08/09.
Walsall also received £40,000 funding from Communities and Local Government last week to help support the local authority and social landlords in tackling antisocial behaviour.