Trailblazer scheme tackles anti social behaviour in Sheffield

123 of the most serious cases of nuisance neighbours have been identified for specialist attention since the launch of the Trailblazer initiative in Sheffield. This exceeds the original target of identifying 100 households in the first year of the Trailblazer. The Council’s Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Board heard a full progress report at their meeting on 13 January.

Since securing Trailblazer status, there is a more co-ordinated and consistent approach to tackling anti social behaviour by all agencies in Sheffield including Sheffield City Council, South Yorkshire Police, Sheffield Homes, the Fire Service, housing associations, court officers, and the Crown Prosecution Service.

The additional Trailblazer funding has paid for five extra staff in the Anti Social Behaviour Team based in Sheffield Homes. This means that cases can be dealt with more quickly.

The anti social behaviour has stopped completely in 31 of the 123 most serious cases thanks to a variety of actions by the team from warning letters, to Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) and Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs).  Every Trailblazer case has received one or more ‘sanction’, and nuisance has ceased in most cases. These cases are being closely monitored to ensure nuisance does not re-occur. Legal action is being prepared in the small number of cases where nuisance is continuing.

ASBOs are only necessary in a small percentage of cases, and where possible the Council and its partners try to resolve the situation without legal action, which can be traumatic for witnesses.  Since April 2004, a total of 4570 anti social behaviour cases have been resolved without the need for legal action, by a combination of interviews, letters, warnings, cautions, and mediation.  Seven Dispersal Orders have now been agreed with the Police to maintain residents' safety and stop anti-social behaviour in targeted areas of the city.

Tackling anti social behaviour is not just about enforcement.  Sheffield Homes, the Police, and Crown Prosecution Service are developing a comprehensive witness and victim support programme.  Sheffield Homes has also set up a Neighbourhood Action Team to do preventative work in schools and the community.

Councillor Jackie Drayton, Cabinet Advisor for Community Safety and member of Sheffield First for Safety, said: “I’m pleased with the progress of the Trailblazer so far.  We have learnt some key lessons about the importance of early intervention in cases, the value of partners working together and the need to provide a great deal of support to witnesses and victims.  Clearly there is still more to be done. The Council and its partners will continue to take early action to try and modify behaviour and resolve cases without the need for legal action. However, we will take swift enforcement action in the courts against those who refuse to change their ways and continue to cause anti social behaviour.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

Sheffield is one of four local authorities in the country selected by the Government as a Trailblazer to tackle nuisance neighbours. The scheme is part of a wider initiative to reduce anti-social behaviour that also covers environmental crime, begging and supporting victims and witnesses. Sheffield First for Safety is the ideal organisation to deliver the scheme locally - being a local crime and disorder partnership with lead membership from Sheffield City Council and South Yorkshire Police.   The partnership is committed to securing lasting reductions in crime and disorder and anti-social behaviour, and a greater sense of community safety by developing solutions based on a partnership approach.

Contact Claire Turner, Corporate Media Team, on 0114 273 6934.