Stepping up patrols to tackle anti-social behaviour in Ashfield

A series of joint patrols between Ashfield District Council and Nottinghamshire Police have been launched in areas of Ashfield where residents have raised concerns about the issue.
By Shelley Marriott
Published 20th Apr 2021, 14:36 BST
Updated 20th Apr 2021, 19:23 BST
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Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are now on regular weekend patrols with the council’s Community Support Officers (CPOs) to resolve community disputes.

The operation provides a regular and visible presence in the community, and aims to build stronger, more trusting relationships with residents.

Anti-social behaviour is defined as activity that causes, or is likely to case, harassment, alarm or distress to other people.

Ashfield District Council and Nottinghamshire Police are joining forces to tackle the scourge of anti-social behaviour.Ashfield District Council and Nottinghamshire Police are joining forces to tackle the scourge of anti-social behaviour.
Ashfield District Council and Nottinghamshire Police are joining forces to tackle the scourge of anti-social behaviour.
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Antonio Taylor, community safety manager at the council, said: “This operation demonstrates effective working relationships between the Council and Nottinghamshire Police. By taking an evidence led approach, we can implement a patrol plan that targets anti-social behaviour at the most appropriate times and locations.

“By utilising powers from both Community Protection Officers and Police Community Support Officers, we are able to effectively tackle public space anti-social behaviour to make Ashfield a safe, secure place to live, work and visit.”

Officers have already served a number of formal notices in the town centres, estates and open spaces for street drinking, abusive behaviour and enviro-crime and are committed to driving down anti-social behaviour throughout District.

Inspr Mark Dickson, district commander for Ashfield said: “Neighbourhood policing is not all about catching criminals and locking people up – it’s also about helping people to address the problems that are negatively affecting their lives.

“Together we are working to engage with people living in certain areas, to discuss the issues they are experiencing and to take appropriate enforcement action when it if necessary. That is always a last resort but we will not hesitate to do it when people are behaving unacceptable ways.

“In the short period this initiative has been running I have been delighted by the results we have seen and the reaction we have had from residents.”

Since the scheme launched at the start of February, the patrols have executed a warrant to seize stereo equipment in relation to a noise complaint, issued numerous fixed penalty notices, and supported with the planning and execution of three drugs warrants in Beachwood Court, Sutton.

They also have the power confiscate alcohol and order people to move away from certain areas.