Crackdown on anti-social behaviour hotspot

TWENTY Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) have been served on a group of nuisance youths to help stem a string of problems for a Sheffield community.

 

Sheffield Homes' Anti-Social Behaviour Team spearheaded the crackdown in response to the concerns of tenants and residents in the Margetson and Chaucer Road areas of Parson Cross.

 

It is the highest number of ABCs to be issued by Sheffield Homes in relation to one trouble hotspot.

 

The tough action was taken after residents reported being affected by anti-social behaviour, youths gathering and drinking alcohol on the streets, vandalism and graffiti

 

"Sheffield Homes will not tolerate this kind of unacceptable behaviour, be it from tenants, residents or visitors to estates within Parson Cross or any other area of the city," said Simon Young, Area Manager for Sheffield Homes.

 

"The vast majority of people in the area are law-abiding and of course have a right to live without fear or intimidation from this tiny minority.

 

"ABCs are only served after we feel individuals have been given a chance and we have the proper information to back up the action.

 

"Local people tell us that the situation has already improved since the ABCs were served, which is also due to the implementation of a Section 30 Curfew and Dispersal Order in the area.

 

 "Our newly appointed safety wardens will shortly be targeting the area as part of their citywide work on nuisance hotspots and our Neighbourhood Action Team is working on a series of preventative measures on anti-social behaviour including working in schools and with local traders."

The ABCs were served on 20 people aged between 14 and 39-years-old.
 

An ABC is an agreement drawn up between Sheffield Homes, South Yorkshire Police and the individual. It contains a series of conditions, lasts for six months and is monitored regularly. Most people issued with an ABC do not come to the attention of police again.

 

Breaching an ABC can result in an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) . It can also result in possession orders on council properties and this action is already being pursued in one case in Parson Cross.

 

There are currently 45 ABCs in force within Sheffield Homes housing Area P which includes the Parson Cross area.

 

Norma Ashmore, Secretary of Margetson TARA, said: "We have been working hard in partnership with Sheffield Homes' Anti Social Behaviour Team and other agencies in this area. Alongside the Section 30 notice this action should improve residents' quality of life."

Kevin Robinson, Anti-Social Behaviour Investigator for South Yorkshire Police, said: "Sheffield Homes and the Police Community Safety Department working together in this way is a valuable and effective tool in challenging anti-social behaviour and proves successful in resolving youth nuisance on estates."  

 

Councillor Jackie Drayton, Cabinet Advisor for Community Safety, said: "The Council and Sheffield Homes use a variety of methods to tackle anti-social behaviour.

 

"ABCs are a very effective tool and it is great that they are already making a difference here.  We will take enforcement action where necessary to keep our neighbourhoods safe."

 

 

Press contact: Neil Anderson on 01142 257080 (office).