nuisance newsThe quarterly newsletter of the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group May 2007

Is their a link

between

ASBOs and

mental health?A survey undertaken on behalf of the

BBC by the British Institute for Brain

Injured Children (BIBIC), claims that

over 30% of under 17 year old

youths receiving ASBOs have a

diagnosed mental health disorder or

an accepted learning difficulty.

Our managing director, Peter Jackson

said,“We have requested more

information about the full research

study in order that we can see what

lessons might be learned about any

failings in the consultation process

prior to ASBOs being sought.”

The survey claims that there was a

huge difference in recognition of the

youths' learning difficulties between

anti-social behaviour officers and

youth offending teams. BIBIC claim

that “anti-social behaviour officers”

reported 5% of their youth cases had

special needs or a learning difficulty.

This compared with 38% reported by

youth offending team officers who

had seen conditions that included

autism, ADHD,moderate learning

difficulties, and emerging personality

disorders, depression and self

harming.They estimated that 6% had

a mental age of less than 10 years

old.

Julie Spencer-Cingoz, chief executive

of BIBIC says "Not understanding the

underlying difficulties of so many of

the young people has meant they

have been given orders that they do

not understand and cannot keep.

Without specialist help they are

being set up to fail, and a breach of

an ASBO is a criminal offence.”

She added.“This is the wrong way to

be treating vulnerable young people.

Early intervention' is a more sensible

approach to prevent major problems

emerging. ASBOs are failing both the

young offenders and the

communities they are supposed to

protect.”

More details of the research

summary and of the work of BIBIC

can be found on: www.bibic.org.uk

This issue includes articles from

the following members:-

Bowlee Park Housing

Hackney Homes

Hyde HA

Knightstone HA

New Progress HA

Nottingham Crime & Drug Pship

Redditch BC

Stoke on Trent CC

Sunderland Housing Group

Three Valley Housing

Twin Valley Homes

Wales &West HA

West Kent HA

This issue

WelcomeWelcome to the Birmingham NEC

conference edition of Nuisance

News.

This is the first edition of our new

look newsletter and includes some

of the items that will be in our

edition for the CIH Annual

Conference and Exhibition in June

at Harrogate.

If your organisation would like to

share its news with us, then we

want to hear from you.

On the back page are details of

how to contact us and the type of

information we are looking for.

ocial LandlordsCrime and Nuisance Group Conference Special

Policy AdvisoryGroup up and

runningAs part of our strategy to increase our

capacity to be more policy orientated

and have a more proactive stance, the

first meeting of the Policy Advisory

Group (PAG) took place in March.

This group comprises the Company

Members and will be expanded to

include two representatives from each of

the four regions once the regional

meetings nominations have been

considered.

The first meeting saw a lively discussion

about the future with representatives

from 11 organisations present.

Essentially identifying issues for the next

year, the first PAG meeting thought that

it was important to be able to influence

the agendas of major partner

organisations, such as Adult services,

the Department for Education and Skills

and the Police. It also saw the need to

consider a range of issues that impacted

on social landlords, such as RIPA,

committal proceedings, the role of the

Crown Prosecution Service and judicial

inconsistency.

We need your support

PAG will have a crucial role to play in

advising on the way that we deliver our

services into the future. So if you or your

organisation have the chance to get

involved, either as company members or

regional representatives, please take the

opportunity. We need your support.

For further information contact:

Peter Jackson peter.jackson@slcng.co.uk

Sharon Mackley sharon@slcng.co.uk

Tel : 024 7623 1748

Housing associations given more

powers to tackle crime and disorderA good practice note on partnership working that details the

change in the legal status for housing associations in terms of local

Crime and Disorder Partnerships (CDRPs) has been published by the

Housing Corporation.The change in legal status means that housing

associations now have an enhanced duty to work alongside CDRPs

to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in their communities.

To reinforce the important role of housing providers, the Home

Office is implementing changes to the status of housing associ-

ations in relation to these local partnerships. Housing associations

will now be elevated from Tier 3 status - invited to participate in a

CDRP, to Tier 2 status - Duty to Co-operate.

It is hoped that this change will lead to more consistent practices

across the country. As co-operating bodies, associations will be

placed at the heart of decision making and delivery and have the

potential to strengthen information sharing, and to use their voices

in deciding local priorities around crime and disorder.

The guidance has been produced to assist associations in working

more closely with their local partners to tackle anti-social behaviour

and promote Respect in their neighbourhoods. It contains

information and tips on how to work more closely with local CDRPs

as well as detailing the imminent change to housing associations'

status in relation to CDRPs from summer 2007.

Housing Corporation Chief Executive, Jon Rouse said, "Engagement

between CDRPs and housing associations has previously been

variable - whilst some play a very active role in the local CDRP, some

may not have even come into contact.This could be for reasons

including associations feeling that there is no need for them to get

involved, or geographical issues - there may be a large number of

housing associations operating in one area.

"By housing associations now having more ability to engage in

CDRPs locally, it will mean real results for our neighbourhoods.More

effective partnership working means reassurance for communities -

more effective joint initiatives and better information sharing.With

local authorities, housing associations, the police and other agencies

all working together, it should make a real impact on the safety of

local people."

The good practice note is available on the Housing Corporation

website:-

www.housingcorp.gov.uk

Newsocial Landlords

Crime and Nuisance Group

Am I bovvered?Noise, dogs, rubbish - having problems with

anti-social behaviour can be bad enough, but

trying to do something about it can be even

harder.

So Knightstone Housing Association held an

event - 'Am I Bovvered?' - for its residents in

March at theWinter Gardens,Weston-super-

Mare. For more than 60 tenants who came

along to the event, it was an opportunity to

say exactly what bothers them on their estate,

what they would like to see done and what

steps could be taken to stop it happening.

Residents spoke to housing officers about

their concerns, and discussed the best way to

deal with different problems. Not surprisingly, residents main concerns

centred around noise, problem neighbours, children and vandalism. Ann

Tyler, a resident in Taunton said, "We've had a couple of problems with

neighbours, but never really knew how to handle it.We really enjoyed today

- it was all done in a really entertaining way, and I think we've got a better

idea of the things we can do to help make things better."

Throughout the day, residents discovered different ways of dealing with

anti-social behaviour - from legal routes to mediation and dreamschemes.

They also heard residents' stories of how they'd come together to sort out

problems on their estate. Angela Gascoigne, the Director of Housing Services

said,“This is the first time we've done anything quite like this. Neighbour

nuisance can be a problem for

everyone and we wanted to help

residents tackle it in a fun and

positive way.”

Like to know more then contact:

Adrian Oldman

adrian.oldman@arcadiahousing.co.uk

Members NewsHeroinCrackdown!Wales &West Housing Association

(WWHA) obtained a Possession Order for

a property in Hillfort Close, Caerau, Cardiff,

after the resident had allowed her partner

to store Class A drugs in the bedrooms.

When Police raided the property in 2006

they found heroin stored in nappy bags

hidden under the beds and drug related

paraphernalia, including weighing scales.

The resident did nothing to discourage

her visitors, who regularly carried out acts

of anti-social behaviour causing her

neighbours harassment, alarm and

distress.

The eviction order was granted by Cardiff

County Court after it examined evidence

provided byWWHA staff and local Police

Officers.

The Association demonstrated to the

Court the devastating effect that the anti-

social behaviour had had upon other

residents, who were too terrified to

appear in court as witnesses.

Police Officers were present and

explained in detail how the effects of

drug dealing lead to increased crime rates

and anti-social behaviour within

communities.

The resident's partner is currently serving

a three year prison sentence for

possession with intent to supply Heroin.

The resident had 14 days to find

alternative accommodation for herself

and her three young children.

Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive of WWHA,

said "We take the issue of drug dealing

very seriously and are determined to

eradicate such acts from the communities

in which we work.This is a good example

of partnerships achieving positive results

and enhancing the lives of residents and

the wider community".

Like to know more then contact:

Sharon Lee,Wales &West Ass. Director

(Support Services) 0800 052 2526

The Tunstall Local Centre has been successful in securing the first Demoted

Tenancy in Stoke on Trent, at a property on the Stanfield Estate. The case

involved a tenant being found guilty of possession and cultivation of

cannabis at his home address.

This reduces the tenant’s security of tenure, acts as a final offer of support

and a final warning that if their conduct does not alter, they will be evicted.

Demoted tenants lose a number of rights including

� Right to buy � Right to take in lodgers

� Right to sub let � Right to mutually exchange

� Right to improve � Right to vote (transfer to a new landlord)

� Right to claim compensation for

improvements

Like to know more then contact:

Paul Robinson, Stoke on Trent CC

Tel 01782 233061

First demoted tenancy

Respect launch eventpulls the crowds

Geoff Thompson MBE - former world karate champion -

and hundreds of Langley residents helped Bowlee Park

Housing embrace the Government's Respect Agenda in a

special fun packed day.The launch day was organised as

a commitment to go broader, deeper and further in to

restoring respect on Langley. Other agencies involved

included Greater Manchester Fire Service, Greater

Manchester Police and Community Safety, The Queen

Elizabeth School pupils and Middleton Youth Inclusion

Project.

Aspiring pop stars turned up to take part in a music

competition and other wannabe actors took part in

theatre workshops. As well as this,many were lured by

the health and fitness options and had a go at football

skills and amateur boxing training sessions.

Jeff Allen, Neighbourhood Manager, for Bowlee Park

Housing said "The aim of

the day was to encourage

self discipline, self esteem,

self confidence and respect

throughout the community

and we think we did that.

We know that young

people often get involved

in anti-social behaviour out

of boredom so we hope by

providing opportunities for

them to try new activities, some of them will think twice

before going down that road. It was encouraging to see

so many young people having so much fun on the day

and we hope some of them at least keep up the activities

they tried."

Geoff Thompson MBE is the five times winner of the

World Karate Champion and founder of the Youth

Charter for Sport, Culture and Arts. He gave an inspira-

tional speech on his journey from social disaffection and

explained how sport had helped him overcome social

and cultural adversity to achieve personal and team

success as

well as

personal

excellence.

Members News

A new neighbourhood policing scheme in west London is the first in the country to

provide round-the-clock police patrols in parts of its borough. Hammersmith &

Fulham will spend £1.5m for the teams covering Fulham Broadway and Shepherds

Bush town centres.More than 30 hand-picked police officers will be on patrol from

next month tackling anti-social behaviour.

It follows the murder of Kodjo Yenga, 16, who was stabbed to death in Hammersmith.

Michael Wallace from the Oswald Stoll Mansions Residents Association in Fulham

said: "We get a lot of problems around here in the early hours of the morning. Some

people are frightened to leave their homes because of the gangs and drunks around

the place. Hopefully the 24/7 neighbourhood policing will stop the rowdiness."

Each town centre will have its own team made up of a dedicated and accountable

police inspector managing five sergeants, 10 police constables and 15 police

community support officers.

"Residents want protection and they want it round the clock " said Hammersmith &

Fulham councillor Greg Smith. "And now,working with the Met, we are the first

council in the UK to provide police with funding to put local patrols on the streets,

day and night, every day of the year."

Like to know more then contact:

Janine Goodison Communications Officer

janine.goodison@riverside.org.uk

Policeintroduce24-hourpatrols

Policeintroduce24-hourpatrols

Book Review

Housing Managers arefromMars, socialworkers are fromVenus.... So reads one of the 15 chapter headings from this interesting

new book “Supporting safer communities: Housing crime and

neighbourhoods”. Edited by Alan Dearling,Tim Newburn and

Peter Somerville, contributors are predominantly lecturers and

researchers in housing, criminal justice and social policy.

“Not another academic thesis!” I hear you cry.While it’s true that

dealing with anti-social behaviour has become a growth industry

in the world of academia, this book was commissioned by CIH

and so retains its grounding in housing policy and practice.

The book addresses the four themes of

� disorder and regeneration

� policing crime and disorder

� service provider approaches to safer communities

� social inclusion and community safety.

In setting the scene, the editors emphasise the difficulties caused

when professional cultures and practices get in the way of

effective joint working, and this is an issue that runs through the

book. As well as giving an overview of the historical context of

tackling anti-social behaviour, the book contains examples of

good practice, comments on the impact of the Respect Agenda

and makes reference to the work of SLCNG.

All in all a worthwhile addition to your team’s library.

For further reading, the book complements the volume published

in July 2006 by The Policy Press “Housing, urban governance and

anti-social behaviour” edited by John Flint - one of our colleagues

from Sheffield Hallam University.

“Supporting safer communities: Housing crime and

neighbourhoods”CIH Housing Policy and Practice Series –

published November 2006 in collaboration with the Housing

Studies Association. Available for £25 from

www.cih.org/publications or by calling 02476 851700

This is one of an occasional series of book reviews. If you would

like to contribute a review of an anti-social behaviour related

publication, please let us know at Nuisance News.

Peter Jackson

peter.jackson@slcng.co.ukwww.anglia.ac.uk

Faculty of Health & Social Care

INVOLVED IN MANAGINGANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR?ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY OFFERS THREE RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS:

• UNDERGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

• POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

• MASTERS IN NEIGHBOURHOOD MANAGEMENT AND ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

Three ground-breaking courses, entirelydedicated to the exploration of anti-socialbehaviour issues with additional skillsin neighbourhood management availablein the MA. Assessment is based onreflection of practical experiences in theworkplace (no traditional examinations).Specialist, individual tutorial support is available to prepare you for yourassessments. Entry at different levels for non graduates and graduates with theopportunity of continuing to a masters degree in anti-social behaviour andneighbourhood management.

PROVIDED BY ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY IN COLLABORATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT OFFICE FOR THE EAST OF ENGLAND.

www.anglia.ac.uk/fhsc

Members News

www.cih.org/events

The Respect StandardCreating a Culture of Respect

17th July 2007 – London

19th July 2007 – ManchesterLaunched in August 2006, over 100 landlords are now signed up to the Standard. This event aims to look at whatsigning up to the Standard can do for you as an organisation and once you are signed up, how best to work toachieving this standard.

*Don’t miss out on the following sessions:

• The Respect Standard – what’s in it for you• Accountability to residents• Using the Respect Standard as a tool to tackling anti social behaviour• Understand the six core components of the Respect Standard• Partnership working• Resident Involvement in setting standards and working towards common goals

For further information and to register, simply complete the booking form online at http://www.cih.org/events/seminars/respect/

*programme subject to minor change

Award for standing up to bulliesMother-of-two Carol Williams, aged 40, stood up to physical and verbal abuse

from neighbours on Garston, Liverpool, and won a court ruling allowing

South Liverpool Housing to take possession of the perpetrators’ property.

Carol was presented with a Respect Award for Taking a Stand (RAFTAS) by the

Home Secretary John Reid and the Government’s Co-ordinator for Respect,

Louise Casey at a ceremony in London.

SLH Community Safety Manager Sharon Marsh said:“This is a tribute to the

personal courage of Carol, but means much more than that.

“Her advice and encouragement for people on theWitness Support Forum

has given others the confidence to come forward in similar cases and it is

therefore a victory for the whole community.”

Louise Casey said,“Our RAFTAS award winners are truly ambassadors for the

Respect drive. It is not easy to stand up to those doing wrong; the winners of

these awards have been deservedly recognised for working with the police

and local authorities to challenge the minority of people who think it is

acceptable to intimidate, harass and blight our communities.”

Carol suffered from a catalogue of problems

including everything from car and living

room windows being smashed, drunken and

rowdy behaviour in the street and even an

attempt to run over her teenage child.

Like to know more then contact:

Sharon Marsh

South Liverpool Housing

0151 285 5632

ASBInjunctionbreached

AWashington youth has been

sentenced to 14 days detention for

breaching his Anti Social Behaviour

Injunction.

Mark Phelps, 19 of Usworth,

Washington was sentenced to seven

days detention after being arrested

in an area he is excluded from in the

early hours of Saturday morning.

A seven day suspended sentence

for a previous breach of the

injunction was also enforced.

Scott Richardson, Neighbourhood

Nuisance Enforcement Officer for

Sunderland Housing Group said:

“Phelps was identified by SHG and

Northumbria Police as being part of

a group of youths involved in anti

social behaviour in the Concord

area of Washington. SHG applied

for and obtained the injunction in

August last year which prevents him

from entering a large part of

Concord between the hours of 6pm

and 6am.”

Scott added that “While we regret

that this youth has been detained it

should serve as a warning to those

involved that Washington Housing

Company will use all the powers

available to tackle anti social

behaviour.”

Like to know more then contact:

Sarah Todd, PR Manager

sarah.todd@sunderlandhousing.co.uk

Community Safety Accreditation has been awarded by

Lancashire Police to Twin Valley Homes and the Anti-

Social Behaviour Team.The accreditation scheme

strengthens the links between the Police and Twin Valley

Homes and grants recognised staff

with limited powers to help them in

their work within the local community.

Resident’s son sent to prisonThree Valleys Housing, which is based in Sandiacre, has

had a resident’s son sent to prison for breach of an injunction.The injunction

was obtained in August 2006 due to Mr Moores behaviour towards staff and

the police. Mr Moore broke the terms of the injunction by verbally abusing

carelink staff and the Police who attended an incident. He was subsequently

jailed for 21 days for breach of the injunction order. Nick Lees, Anti Social

Behaviour Officer said “At no time will we allow any of our staff or our fellow

partnership staff be abused or physically attacked .This sentence sends out a

clear message that any such incidents

will be put before the courts and the

appropriate action taken.”

Like to know more then contact:

Nick Lees Tel : 0115 968 4054

Like to know more then contact:

Martin Jackson Tel : 01254 269099

First DIY possession orderNew Progress HA is celebrating after obtaining its first

Do-It-Yourself possession order.The association's Tenancy

Enforcement team successfully obtained a possession order against a

nuisance tenant without employing the services of solicitors, saving the

organisation and its tenants an estimated £4,500 in legal costs.

The Leyland-based association was forced to serve notice of seeking

possession on a tenant, Catherine Hughes, after repeated incidents of

excessive noise, threatening and abusive

behaviour, and violent assaults made

neighbours' lives a misery.

Like to know more then contact:

Tim Frier

tfrier@progressgroup.org.uk

Members News

MMaakkee ssuurree yyoouu sshhaarree yyoouurr nneewwss wwiitthh uuss� Articles up to 300 words are the most likely to be included.

� Aim to summarise the whole story in the first paragraph.

� Include high quality logos and photographs (if available).

� Include you name and contact details so that other members can

contact you for more information.

News,articles, logos and photographs to:-sharon@slcng.org.uk

ocial LandlordsCrime and Nuisance Group

Crack Houseclosures

Following a court order, Hampshire

Police have closed down two homes

in Aldershot which were notorious

for drug dealing.

Hyde Housing Association and

Pavilion Housing Association which

own the properties, worked

alongside the police through the

organisation SHAARP which was set

up to deal with anti-social behaviour

in Hampshire.

The property closures follow a

number of high profile drugs raids

by police, dubbed ‘Operation

Maldive’, across Hampshire, Surrey

and London.

SHAARP project manager Thalia Ali

commented” SHAARP has worked in

partnership with the police on these

year-long cases and we are

delighted that there is now a

positive resolution for all

concerned.”

Respect andResponsibility Project

Ever had the feeling that you’re just reacting to anti-

social behaviour instead of trying to prevent it. So did

Warren Stone and Tracy Beech, Anti-Social Behaviour

Co-ordinators for Redditch Borough Council. So in

November 2005 they decided we would try to do

something about it and brain stormed possible solutions

and the front runner was … schools.

They put together the project which was aimed at

children aged between 7 and 11. This age was chosen as

Warren and Tracy considered that children would be

more receptive and would spread the word to other

family members.

After a pilot of a single session, it was apparent that this

was insufficient time to get the message across. As a

result, they developed a two session package for years

5 to 7 and a five session package for years 3 and 4.

The feedback from pupils and teachers has been very

positive and has shown that the information has been

aimed at the correct

level. Warren or Tracy

are now fully booked

until June 2008.!!!

Residentsrewarded for taking a stand

For the third year running residents

of West Kent Housing Association

have scooped a prestigious Respect

Awards For ‘Taking A Stand’ against

antisocial behaviour in their

neighbourhoods.

There were 747 nominations for the

awards this year, and that’s why four

residents from the Shenden Close,

Sevenoaks were delighted to be

named among the 271 winners , only

two of which were from the Kent.

Like to know more then contact:

Emma Tedman

communications@hyde-housing.co.uk.

Like to know more then contact:

Warren or Tracy 01527 534194

asbschools@redditchbc.gov.uk.

Please tell us what you think about the new style of Nuisance News.Your opinion matters to us. Please email (as above) or write to us at :-

SLCNG, c/o Whitefriars Housing Group Ltd, Givens House, Thomas Street, Coventry CV1 3HL

Members News

The information, opinions and conclusions expressed in Nuisance News are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent those of the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group Ltd

Editorial services an

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