youth anti-social behaviour - blaby district a.pdfin terms of wider partnership working, supporting...
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Youth Anti-Social Behaviour
SCRUTINY FINAL REPORT
February 2017
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Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................ 3
Methodology .......................................................................................... 4
Background Information ......................................................................... 5
Evidence & Findings ............................................................................ 19
Conclusions ......................................................................................... 27
Recommendations ............................................................................... 29
Appendices .......................................................................................... 32
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Working Group Membership
Councillor Bill Wright – Scrutiny Commissioner & Working Group Chairman
Councillor Shabbir Aslam
Councillor Marian Broomhead
Councillor Cheryl Cashmore
Councillor Adrian Clifford
Councillor David Findlay
Councillor Mark Jackson
Councillor David Jennings
Councillor Trevor Matthews
Councillor Sam Maxwell – Review Chairman
Councillor Christine Merrill
Councillor Alan Tanner
Formal thanks are extended to witnesses, members of the public spoken to directly
or who provided written information:-
Lord Willy Bach, Police & Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire &
Rutland
Inspector Dan Eveleigh, Leicestershire Police
Sergeant Phil Hurst, Leicestershire Police
Blaby Youth Council
Blaby District Secondary and Academy Schools – Brockington,
Countesthorpe-Leysland and Winstanley
Braunstone Town Council
Countesthorpe Parish Council
Kam Chauhan – IMPACT Project Team Manager
Quin Quinney, Blaby DC Community Services Group Manager
Rebecca Holcroft, Blaby DC Housing Options Manager
Carol Parker, Blaby DC Anti-Social Behaviour Officer
Ian Parry, Blaby DC Resident Support Manager
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1. Introduction We are pleased to present this Communities Scrutiny Working Group report looking
at youth anti-social behaviour (ASB).
At the time of considering the review scope, Countesthorpe, a village within the
district had seen an increase in anti-social behaviour. Following public consultation
and a public meeting, a six month Public Space Protection Order was implemented
with effect from July 2016, making Blaby District Council the first Leicestershire
authority to put in place a PSPO.
This sparked interest with the newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner, Lord
Willy Bach who members were pleased to welcome to the final evidence gathering
session at the end of November 2016.
From the evidence received it is clear that tackling anti-social behaviour is not the
responsibility of one agency and requires a partnership approach to encourage
young people away from committing anti-social behaviour, particularly at critical
times when hotspot areas are identified. Key to achieving this is effective
communication, a focussed approach and sufficient resources.
The Communities Scrutiny Working Group would like to thank all those who have
contributed to and supported this review.
Councillor Sam Maxwell Councillor Bill Wright ASB Review Chairman Communities Scrutiny Working
Group Chairman
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2. Methodology The Working Group identified the following key tasks and questions for examination:-
How enforcement to tackle ASB is effective and that appropriate enforcement is taken?
The effectiveness of communication in relation to the reporting of ASB – including 101 call handling.
What has worked to address ASB in different areas in the district and share best practice?
Understand the need for and effectiveness of Public Safety Protection Orders (PSPO).
Community Trigger - why aren’t communities using this reporting mechanism?
Is the link and actions taken between housing providers and other agencies
effective?
The circumstances and impact of both the Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland
Incremental Approach to ASB and the PSPO.
The reporting and communication of ASB and the Public Space Protection
Order.
Tackling anti social behaviour - what has worked and why, in Braunstone
Town
The need for and effectiveness of public space protection orders and drawing
conclusions from survey results and data.
An evidence gathering meeting was held at Braunstone Town Council and a door
knocking exercise carried out in the local area.
Over 4 meetings evidence was received from the Community Services Team, Anti-
Social Behaviour Officer, Local Neighbourhood Police, Braunstone Town Council
and Countesthorpe Parish Council. Scrutiny recognise young peoples voices are
vitally important in developing services therefore Working Group members Councillor
Marian Broomhead and Councillor Adrian Clifford facilitated work with the Youth
Council to seek their views on ASB and to develop a questionnaire which would be
distributed to young people within Blaby District.
The Youth Council has been instrumental in achieving the excellent response rate to
the young persons questionnaire by encouraging their peers to engage in this
exercise and serving as a pre-testing sample group for the questionnaires
development. This work was significant in ensuring that not only a high response
rate was seen (33% compared to an anticipated 10%) but also that the responses
provided were of such quality that valuable qualitative and quantitative data could be
collated.
The questionnaire data alone would be extremely useful presented as a resource
pack for those delivering work directly with young people.
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3. Background Information
Information was received from presentations and fact finding meetings with
the Communications Team, the ASB Officer and Leicestershire Police.
Definition of Anti-Social Behaviour
• Conduct that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or
distress to any person.
• Conduct capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to a person in relation
to that person’s occupation of residential premises.
• Conduct capable of causing housing related nuisance or annoyance to any
person.
Anti-Social Behaviour: Crime and Policing Act 2014
Process
1. Method of Reporting
Phone call - 101
Online form
ASB hotline
Call ASB Officer
In person at BDC
2. Case Creation
Is it ASB?
Discuss case with complainant
Create case on Sentinel
Complete risk assessment matrix and consider referrals for support
3. Investigation
Is there any history regarding complainant or perpetrator?
Are any of the people involved known to other agencies?
Contact alleged perpetrator?
Balance of probabilities
4. Action Follow County Wide ASB Incremental Approach
5. Case Review Process
ASB cases are reviewed weekly
High risk cases discussed with Manager
Contact complainants for update
Sentinel records updated
Cases closed including disposals
Satisfaction surveys sent
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Blaby Approach
Diversionary activities and informal non legal mechanisms such as Acceptable
Behaviour Contracts (ABC’s) and other measures are used to avoid criminalising
youths through measures such as a Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Order
(CASBO).
Action Activity
Prevention
(From engaging in Anti Social
Behaviour)
BB19 Bus & schools Seasonal campaign Awareness campaigns Summer programme Facebook/twitter
Early Intervention Positive Activities Referral Scheme
20:20 mentoring Partnership working The Community Safety Partnership,
Schools etc
Individual circumstances are taken into account when determining who to involve
Consistent Approach
The People and Places Forum brings together all
agencies and professionals in one place with the use of
a Problem Solving Plan which collates information from
all agencies relating to significant matters to find
solutions for high risk issues.
Community Safety Partnership Tactical group ensures
consistency.
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Blaby District Anti-Social Behaviour Analysis
In 2015, 80 advice letters, 32 warning letters, and 4 contract letters issued.
Methods of reporting ASB – phone call, online form, ASB hotline, call ASB
Officer, E-mail, Sentinel, in person at BDC
Call handling – Incident Management Unit take 600,000 calls, both 999 and
101 a year (68 calls an hour). The majority of the calls can be dealt with by the
call handlers who assess a lot of information and make quick decisions. Not
all calls will get a priority/same day response.
Perception – there is often expectation of how the police should deal with a
crime report. Not all ASB is a priority, where there’s history the potential risk
to victims can be higher so the level of priority will elevate.
Community engagement – includes individual and community drop-in events,
door knocking and Blaby webchat. A ‘Neighbourhood Takes Charge’ initiative
in Braunstone during 2016 received limited community response.
Communication and feedback – 2015 Resident Survey conducted (every 2
years), CSP priorities survey are used throughout the year, when cases are
closed a satisfaction letter is sent out. Findings are used to inform resources
and CSP action plans.
In terms of wider partnership working, Supporting Leicestershire Families identify
and respond to ASB within the troubled families agenda. Referrals also go to the
Youth Offending Service, who scrutiny was told can give assistance and provide
mentoring. This is voluntary for parents to engage in.
Community Safety Partnership Survey 2016
80% residents feel safe in their local area
Areas of concern:
Burglary
Groups Causing Nuisance
Vehicle Crime
Drunk or rowdy behaviour
Vandalism/graffiti
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Although residents recognise the issues that could sometimes stimulate ASB, Police,
CSP Resident Survey data does not support this.
ASB Feedback – victim view
77% of respondents happy with service
70% satisfied with the outcome of their case
70% say the situation has improved following intervention
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Blaby ASB Analysis
Recorded Incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour
(Quarterly breakdown, January 2011 – December 2016)
Source: Home Office Statistics, https://www.police.uk/leicestershire
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Police Approach
Sgt Phil Hurst referred to anti-social behaviour as ‘aggressive or intimidating
behaviour which destroys quality of life’. The Police approach was described as
victim centred with incidents taken seriously and dealt with sensitively.
Process:
999/101 for immediate response
Investigation Management Unit – the unit assesses incidents and sends to appropriate department/partner
Managed Appointment Unit –If incident is not an immediate threat, a later appointment arranged by this unit
Neighbourhood Policing Area – is the area managed linked to the investigations unit – deal with criminal justice systems.
Blaby DC officers are based at the police station and work closely with the
police. This integrated approach is viewed positively by both Police and
Council officers.
Reliance on other partners was highlighted in terms of informal stages as well as the
use of recording incidents on Sentinel (a joint system providing a live, auditable trail
to which partner organisations can refer). Sentinel is reviewed daily and data sent to
the right department/partner to manage i.e Environmental Health, Dog Warden etc.
There is one lead officer and others help if required.
Call Handling
The call handling department:-
• Is responsible for taking all calls to Leicestershire Police.
• Handles around 600,000 emergency 999, and non-emergency 101 calls every
year (68 calls per hour).
• Many calls can be dealt with within the department without the need to deploy
a police officer, PCSO or staff member.
• Manages expectation.
In 2011 Leicestershire Police introduced a range of compulsory questions to be
asked of the caller at the first point of contact. Alongside this, a vulnerability risk
matrix (seen as good practice nationally) is used to assess the vulnerability of each
ASB victim.
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Questions asked by call takers of the caller/victim when an ASB call is
received (Leicestershire)
1. Other than on this occasion, how often do you experience similar problems? 2. Which of the following do you feel this incident deliberately targets?
You
Your family
Your community
Nobody
3. Are you being targeted by specific individuals?
Yes
No
What are their details/ descriptions? 4. Have you reported this to any other agencies?
Yes
No
Who
5. Does the problem appear to be escalating?
Yes
No
How
Reference – Home Office Anti-social Behaviour Call Handling Pilot Evaluation,
Leicestershire Sub-Region, September 2011.
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Incremental Approach to ASB
The Incremental Approach is a joint initiative between community safety partners
across Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland. It provides partner agencies across
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland with an operating protocol when managing
anti-social behaviour.
Its aim is to ensure that ASB enforcement measures are used proportionately and at
the appropriate point in relation to an adult or young person’s involvement in ASB.
Partner agencies responsible for the implementation of the Incremental Approach
include:
Local Authority o Community Safety o Housing o Environmental health
Leicestershire Police
Leicestershire County Council o Youth Offending Service o Supporting Leicestershire Families
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
Probation
Registered Housing Providers (RHP)
The lead agency/individual manages and co-ordinates the involvement of other
agencies so that they add value by contributing their own specialist knowledge and
expertise. All partners are responsible for communicating effectively through the
Joint Action Groups (JAG).
Reference - Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Incremental Protocol
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Community Trigger
Community Trigger is a process which allows members of the community to ask the Community Safety Partnership to review their response to complaints of anti-social behaviour.
It gives victims and communities the right to require action to be taken where they believe an ongoing problem has not been addressed. It ensures that no one suffering the harmful effects of anti-social behaviour and hate incidents falls through the net.
The Community Trigger is not a first port-of-call; it is only to be used if it is believed that there has been a failure to respond to a complaint.
It requires 3 examples or individuals reporting the same incident and a form is on the
website (Included in Appendix 1). No triggers have ever been instigated. Blaby
District Council officers put this down to good information sharing and resolution and
that case reviews go through a similar trigger assessment.
Members felt the reason Community Triggers are not used is because the public or
communities reporting incidents would not necessarily be aware of where the same
or similar ASB incidents had occurred. This however may be something for
consideration at the county wide ASB forum.
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What has worked to address Anti-Social Behaviour in different
areas
Braunstone – Incremental Approach
A number of periods of anti-social behaviour over the years have been tackled in
Braunstone Town, specifically within a small geographical area in and around the
Town Council offices. At its worst, it resulted in staff and residents being intimidated
by gangs of up to 80 youths.
At that time 2 local youth clubs had been closed due to lack of funding. Since then
this gap has been filled by the BB19 Bus which carries out 8 week targeted sessions
in identified hot spot areas.
Braunstone Town Council put the success in tackling ASB in the area to having a
strong understanding of, and support for community life, service needs and what is
impacting on residents as well as:-
Immediate reporting of incidents to the police
Quick police response
Encouraging the public to report ASB
Good parental responsibility and response
Good working relationship and communication with the police and partners
CCTV and community cameras
A short door knocking exercise was carried out by Working Group members,
supported by Blaby District Council Officers and Police Community Safety Officers
on Welcombe Avenue and Henley Crescent in Braunstone Town. The findings of
which supported the above response:-
Residents commented positively on the visibility of Police
ASB isn’t a problem, changed since 2005
Resident thanked the Council for support with ASB issue which resulted in
eviction of perpetrators
Issues with large groups hanging around the shops
Braunstone Town Council Deputy Executive Officer & Community Services Manager
- Pauline Snow, said Braunstone Town Neighbourhood Watch had grown over the
years, coordinating information sharing and supporting residents in reporting ASB.
The Impact Team carry out street based work with young people causing ASB
across Leicestershire which worked successfully in Braunstone Town. The Impact
Team work closely with other agencies and share information. They attend schools
speaking to young people and teachers which supports the referral process and
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builds an intelligence picture. Intelligence is shared through the Joint Action Group
and the Community Safety Tactical Group.
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Countesthorpe - Public Space Protection Order
In response to an increase in incidents of anti-social behaviour and following
consultation, and a public meeting attended by the Leicestershire Police & Crime
Commissioner Lord Willy Bach. A six month PSPO was introduced by Blaby District
Council and Leicestershire Police on Friday 15 July 2016 with a review after three
months.
Teams from the Community Safety Partnership consulted with 250 people across the
village with 95% of those responding supporting the idea of the PSPO’s introduction.
Consultation methods were confirmed by officers as door knocking in the areas
affected by ASB, leaflet and information drops in local schools, the library, the
community centre and a Parish Council meeting.
Restricted Areas
Restricted areas were to prevent young people aged 10-17 from:
• Gathering in groups of more than four people (restrictions weren’t applicable where
crowds are unavoidable, including school journeys or at a bus stop)
• Behaving in a way that is likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress
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• Being in the possession of, or consuming alcohol
• Using, possessing or supplying any intoxicating substances including psychoactive
substances
Any breach of these conditions could lead to formal action being taken by the Police
or the Council in the form of a Community Resolution or prosecution.
Additional power will be used where and when appropriate including extra patrols in
the area, “should we receive any reports of young people causing.” Blaby District
Council will be working with its partners to provide activities for young people during
the summer holiday period, including the BB19 Youth Bus.
The chart below shows the variations of ASB recorded against three areas in the
district since 2011.
Source: Home Office Statistics, https://www.police.uk/leicestershire
Note: Minor deviation may occur between figures displayed here and those on
Police.uk website, boundaries were altered from the default display settings as
follows:
Countesthorpe as displayed here does not include crime figures for Foston &
Kilby as per the Police website default.
Enderby & St Johns as displayed here does not include crime figures for
Narborough, Littlethorpe & Fosse Park as per the Police.uk website default.
Figures for December 2016 are not yet available, final quarterly figures are
projected from the data of October and November.
A marker on the Countesthorpe data set indicates the implementation of the
PSPO.
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The Police.uk website used to collate the data displayed in the chart provides a
snap-shot of crimes and anti-social behaviour at street-level over the past month.
The information provided by this site is subject to change as incidents can be
reclassified following further investigation. As such the oldest data can be regarded
as the most accurate, whereas some variation can be expected in the most recent.
Police.uk does not replace national crime statistics which are quality assured by
statisticians, published quarterly and provide the most accurate information about
trends in crime at national and police force level.
However it does provide information relating to specific categories of crime which
have been reported, in this instance Anti-Social Behaviour, in very specific areas,
down to individual post codes if required. For this reason it was deemed to be a
suitable data source to display the natural variations in ASB within Blaby District.
Leicestershire police report that;
‘The level of recorded ASB incidents exhibit a general seasonal pattern of a
fall over the Autumn and Winter months with an increased level of incidents
building over the spring and summer period’.
The Police & Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire, Performance Report to
quarter 1 (April-June) 2016/17
This seasonal trend is apparent in the Police.uk data, most notably in Thorpe Astley
& Braunstone Town.
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4. Evidence and Findings
Links Between Affordable Housing (Social Housing) and ASB
Members looked at whether there was any correlation between ASB incidents in
Countesthorpe and social housing. Findings showed that 22 warning letters had
been sent to perpetrators between March and July 2016. Only one of these was to
an affordable housing address.
Members were satisfied that the Housing Allocations Policy provides flexibility to
prioritise victims of ASB to move property. The policy states;
‘There must be evidence and it requires the tenant to have to take action and
it must be seen that its not worked’
Should the nature of such an incident be deemed very serious, this can be done
instantly i.e. threats to kill.
It was noted that Registered Housing Providers are Community Safety Partners and
as such involved through the Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland Incremental
Approach.
Evidence from the scrutiny door knocking exercise in Braunstone Town highlighted
registered housing provider’s sometimes are slow to response to incidents of
housing related ASB. In the cases residents shared with members, it was down to
the victim to pursue a resolution.
One example given was from a resident in a small group of flats, which shared an
access way, the electronic buzzer system through which residents could permit
people access to this communal area had been vandalised, rendering it ineffective,
the lighting to this area was also non functioning. This, in effect created an area in
which residents did not feel secure. At the time of conducting the door knocking
exercise, the resident raising this issue stated that the housing provider, East
Midlands Homes (EMH) was aware of the issue and had 'Sent someone out, but
nothings been done yet'.
Scrutiny suggests a more co-ordinated approach from partner agencies with better
support for the victims of housing related ASB should be further investigated by the
housing options team.
Police
Police Sergeant Phil Hurst described ASB as aggressive or intimidating behaviour
which destroys quality of life and is victim centred. He provided assurance that ASB
incidents are taken seriously and handled sensitively subject to the complaint and
vulnerability matrix. With a lack of police resources a risk based approach is taken
and a risk assessment carried out when ASB is reported.
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Partnership working is fantastic, it is an integrated approach, BDC officers are based
in the police station and work closely with the police.
Diversionary activities and informal non legal mechanisms such as Acceptable
Behaviour Contracts (ABC’s) and other measures are used to avoid criminalising
youths (CASBO).
Following a challenge from members it was confirmed that the police assess and
take a risk based approach due to limited resources.
The People and Places Forum brings together all agencies and professionals in one
place. A Problem Solving Plan collates information from all agencies relating to
significant matters to find solutions for high risk issues.
‘ASB/Criminality intertwine it is a matter of resources - boy/girl racers are a
growing problem and an issue with the limited powers on the modification of
vehicles. We can’t just chase them and pull them over. Letters are sent or
vehicles are taken from them’
Police Comment
There is reliance on other bodies in terms of informal stages as well as the use of
recording incidents on Sentinel. As with all such systems, the effectiveness of
Sentinel is reliant upon the quality of information which is being input, an inspection
of Leicestershire Police by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC)
found, in relation to information sharing with partner agencies;
‘Some concerns were also voiced by representatives of external organisations
that the shared database was not being used to its fullest capacity. In
response to this concern, a spot check revealed that not all investigations of
anti-social behaviour were being entered onto the system. This potentially
means that opportunities to secure support from other organisations who
could add value are being overlooked; the force is advised to examine this
further’
PEEL: Police effectiveness 2015 - An inspection of Leicestershire Police
Scrutiny notes that since the publication of ‘PEEL: Police effectiveness 2015 - An
inspection of Leicestershire Police’ a further review carried out by Leicestershire
County Council of ASB processes makes several recommendations to strengthen
Sentinel, including training and system changes. Local councils continue to
contribute to Sentinel developments annually, which are agreed by Senior ASB staff
from across the sub-region.
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Leicestershire Police Satisfaction Survey
https://leics.police.uk/media/uploads/library/file/Satisfaction_and_Confidence_Templ
ate.pdf
An inspection of Leicestershire Police by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary
(HMIC) described the force as being;
‘Good at preventing crime, anti-social behaviour and keeping people safe’
PEEL: Police effectiveness 2015 - An inspection of Leicestershire Police
The inspection also found that when compared to other regions in England and
Wales, Leicestershire experiences a relatively low amount of anti-social behaviour,
with a rate of 18.7 recorded incidents per 1000 population, compared to an England
and wales average of 32.9 recorded incidents per 1000 population.
In the 12 months to 30 June 2015, Leicestershire Police recorded 19,522 incidents of
anti-social behaviour. This is 19% fewer incidents than the force recorded during the
previous 12 months.
The working group were assured that Leicestershire Police maintains its robust
commitment to neighbourhood policing, and serves the public well, whilst under
constant pressure in relation to its resources. As the evidence shows, in relation to
ASB in particular, Leicestershire Police can be seen by many as a good example to
aspire to.
A 2014 inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) found;
‘Some evidence of measurement and evaluation of the effectiveness of the
various tactics and activities in preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour.
However these tended to evaluate the success of a number of tactics rather
than identifying which specific tactic had worked’
Crime inspection report 2014 – Leicestershire Police
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This finding is of particular relevance to the outcome and evaluation as to the
effectiveness of the Countesthorpe Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), as this
intervention was delivered simultaneously alongside several others, such as;
A closure order issued to a property where ASB had been occurring
Acceptable Behaviour Contracts
Youth Offending Service interventions
Community Facilities o BB19 Bus o IMPACT
Operation Faro (increased police presence)
ASB surgeries
This results in an individual measure such as the PSPO being extremely difficult to
measure or quantify, in regards its success and effectiveness.
In relation to the additional resources deployed to Countesthorpe during the PSPO,
and the need for a clear, structured ‘exit strategy’ members of the Working Group
were told;
‘There is no even distribution of police resources across the District, it has to
be responsive and subject to demand at any given time… ordinarily,
Countesthorpe would have perhaps 1 officer and 1 PCSO, though at times
during the PSPO period this increased to 4 or 6 officers on duty. This
increased allocation however would be intelligence led… I’m conscious of the
invested presence of police resources in the area, and the need to carefully
manage any reduction’.
Inspector Dan Eveleigh, Leicestershire Police
Call Handling
Evidence gathered from meetings, questionnaires, and feedback from residents
highlighted one of the problems was that people were not reporting crimes -
1. Time taken for a 101 call to be answered - ‘ I waited so long on the phone to
get through I gave up’
2. None reporting – perception that the police don’t respond to calls
The Leicester Mercury on 6 December 2016 reported County Councillor Ozzy O'Shea, at a Police and Crime Panel meeting saying;
‘101 was failing dramatically with people being left on hold and then being cut off, it was putting people off reporting crime’ County Councillor Ozzy O’Shea
In response the Police & Crime Commissioner said:
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‘Some people are satisfied. Quite a lot find it very frustrating… it’s unsatisfactory’ Leicestershire & Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner, Lord Willy Bach
Adding that he would seek to improve the 101 number used to report non emergency issues.
A 2016 report of the Police and Crime Commissioner expanded upon the issue of abandonment rates (where the caller hangs up the phone before the call can be answered) of the non-emergency 101 reporting line.
‘Non-emergency abandonment rates are currently fluctuating between 8 and 14% monthly and this is an area of concern for the PCC who has already asked the Force questions in this regard at the June 2016 meeting and will be monitoring this closely with them through the Strategic Assurance Board moving forwards’ The Police & Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire, Performance Report to quarter 1 (April-June) 2016/17
National statistics from 2015, show that number of abandoned or dropped calls for the non-emergency 101 reporting line was close to 1.1 million, this in itself was an increase of more than 25% on the previous year.
Practical experience of reporting ASB
On the 22 December at 3.00pm, Council officers witnessed a group of young people
between 13 – 15 years old involved in pulling a metal panel off a park shelter in
Narborough. Officer’s experience of reporting the incident by calling 101 was the
same as that received during evidence gathering sessions and anecdotal evidence.
Forty minutes retrying and holding the line were not successful and the incident was
ultimately reported via the Council website. The need to register and sign into ‘My
Account’ was an additional step in a process which when reporting an ASB incident
should be quick and straight forward and again should not put people off reporting
future such incidents.
Incident forms that are submitted on-line are registered and co-ordinated by the Anti-
Social Behaviour Officer. A response to the incident was received from the
Neighbourhood Police Officer on 3 January 2017 for further investigation.
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Parish Council
Anti-social behaviour is a complex issue, socially constructed, historically variable
and heavily influenced by each individuals own perceptions of their community,
requiring a coordinated approach from partners to tackle effectively at the earliest
opportunity. It is far more beneficial for all concerned if a pro-active rather than
reactive approach can be adopted. Evidence collated from scrutinys work with young
people of the District, shows that a lack of purposeful activity and boredom are
considered to be significant factors behind youth ASB, particularly in more rural
areas.
Officers from Blaby District Council Community Services Team advised the working
group that the attendance of young people at services such as IMPACT,
Cornerstone and boxing taster sessions did not increase during the time which the
PSPO was in place. Evidence suggests that many young people perceive that there
is little for them to do in places such as Countesthorpe, however, consideration must
be given to the possibility that the services which are currently being offered to
young people are not desirable to them.
‘There’s nothing for kids to do around here, there’s no facilities for us to use,
apart from things ran by the church which we don’t want to use’
‘There’s nothing to do’
Parish Councils are well placed to identify potential areas of concern and ASB
hotspots and should actively work with partners:-
At the earliest opportunity to co-ordinate a joint response with the Police,
Blaby District Council and other partners to determine an action plan with
clearly defined roles. This was evidenced by ASB surgeries organised by the
Police without District and Parish Councillors being made aware.
In a leadership role to look at youth provision, with the aim of diverting the
young people of these areas away from potentially anti-social behaviours.
Scrutiny members felt that the flow of information both to and from Parishes could be
improved.
Given the varying nature of ASB and the fluctuations with which a community can
experience the issue, any such youth provisions need not be a permanent fixture,
but a swift response to any potential issue, which see’s Parishes taking ownership
with the support and a clear role determined with partners, and a clear exit strategy
is imperitive.
Countesthorpe Parish Council are currently considering potential options on future
youth provision;
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‘As a Parish council, we are currently looking into the cost and viability of
providing youth workers within the village’
Countesthorpe Assistant Parish Council Manager
Youth Council and young people’s response to Scrutiny ASB Questionnaire
The Youth Council were approached to assist scrutiny in getting the youth
perspective of ASB and a total of 3600 ASB worksheets were sent out to 3 District
schools/academies in October 2016 - Brockington, Countesthorpe-Leysland and
Winstanley. Survey findings are attached at Appendix 4.
Overall, young people felt Blaby District is better than average in terms of ASB
incidents.
23% of the young people who responded to the questionnaire identified themselves
as victims of ASB. Not surprisingly, results showed those with personal experience
viewed their areas very differently to those who had not.
ASB perception rating between areas within the District also showed significant
variations.
Comments highlighted a lack of communication resulting in misunderstanding of how
the Public Space Protection Order is applied and what it means for them, which
appeared to add a sense of victimisation and stereotyping of young people.
‘People our age often feel safer in groups. How do you expect younger people
to socialise’
‘My safety has been compromised due to inaccurate stereotypes, it’s easier to
blame the majority than punish the minority’
It is interesting to note that many of the youngest of those who completed the ASB
survey (12 years and younger) were confused as to what anti-social behaviour is,
with many considering it to relate to people with little or no social media presence (no
Twitter or Facebook account), or those without a mobile phone, as such these
individuals were considered to be ‘anti-social’.
The young persons questionnaire did include an explanation of ASB and provided
some examples which it would be reasonable to assume that young people had
experienced or come across, such as graffiti. Despite the information which was
provided, the misconception as to the nature of ASB was a recurring theme amongst
respondents of this age range, perhaps identifying an educational need.
ASB is covered during key stages 3&4, within PSHE (Personal Social and Health
Education) and Citizenship classes.
Young people felt they were all being punished for the actions of a few, and many
questioned as to why the PSPO related only to those up to age of 17.
26
‘For the majority of young people, they do nothing and are just being
burdened by the order’
‘Not fair to blame all young people, some adults are to blame too’
Young people generally had an awareness of the PSPO which had been imposed,
but there was clearly confusion as to what it meant for them and how it would be
enforced.
‘I think it’s against our rights, we are allowed to gather together’
‘People who aren’t doing anything wrong can’t be with their mates’
Evaluation findings of the Public Space Protection Order in Countesthorpe
Community Services presented findings to the Working Group on 29 November 2016
(attached at Appendix 5), which looked at whether the PSPO in Countesthorpe had
fulfilled its purpose, identifying the following areas for improvement:
There is evidence that the standards of behaviour outlined in the PSPO have
not been fully adopted by some young people (in particular some young
people who are already known to services). When this group of young people
mistakenly believed that the PSPO was no longer in effect, they reverted back
to previous behaviours which had led to the implementation of the PSPO in
the first instance. This is dealt with as a breach of the PSPO that requires
enforcement and could result in the first Fixed Penalty Notices being served.
Whilst the PSPO has benefitted from additional police and community
resources through its initial phase, these are not sustainable, and there is a
need to continue to provide support and strengthen facilities and services for
young people through partnership working.
Any future considerations of the potential utilisation of a similar PSPO, will be
re-worded to allow flexibility in dealing with breaches of any such order. The
current order states that the Council ‘shall’ take formal action on all breaches
of the PSPO. It is considered that where possible, a community resolution
may be the more appropriate and effective course of action.
27
5. Conclusions
Communication
Scrutiny recognises the value of community based support opportunities in helping to
reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour. Members had a real sense of this from
looking at the approach used in Braunstone Town which demonstrated that the
combination of engagement, participation and informal action can ultimately help to
challenge local perceptions.
The questionnaire response from young people in the district demonstrates that our
young people are engaged in their community. Young people are often thought to be
the perpetrators of ASB and it is easy to forget that they are often the victims of such
incidents themselves. Scrutiny members were particularly impressed with how
members of the Youth Council took ownership of the issue and aided the efforts of
the working group.
Collaborative working with the Youth Council will be considered for any future work
which may benefit from their input or wider consultation with younger residents or
schools/academies.
The ASB survey showed that the majority of young people would report crime to the police, and it is important that this confidence is not lost by obstacles such as being unable to get through when attempting to report an incident. The facility for non-emergency reporting must be improved.
With regard to none reporting of crime there can be a real fear of reprisal.
Crimestoppers, is an independent UK crime fighting charity where crime can be
reported anonymously and could be promoted with other reporting mediums.
It is important that victims remain central to the Community Safety Partnership
approach in tackling anti-social behaviour and incident closure is fed back, this was
something which the Police acknowledged to the working group that could be
improved.
‘We are perhaps not known for communication being a strength, but we are
intent on getting better, and I can tell you, when we’re not communicating,
we’re doing’
Inspector Dan Eveleigh, Leicestershire Police
As previously noted, comments from young people highlighted a lack of
communication, resulting in misunderstanding of how the Public Space Protection
Order was applied and what it meant for them. Comments were received from the
Police regarding their own efforts to communicate the PSPO to young people of the
area.
‘Police are educating young people of the area as to what the PSPO means
and how their actions can be perceived by others. This takes the form of
28
organic education, with perpetrators or groups of young people out in the
community’
Sergeant Phill Hurst, Leicestershire Police
Whilst any communication with the public, especially young people as to the PSPO
is to be commended; the example given by the Police was regarding efforts made
post implementation.
No evidence was provided to the working group detailing what efforts were made to
communicate with young people prior to the PSPO coming into effect, by any of the
partners involved in its implementation. If such efforts were made, scrutiny members
consider that, these could have been more effective.
Scrutiny acknowledges that the implementation date of the PSPO being during the
school summer holiday may have acted as a barrier to effective communication with
young people, as schools could not be used as hubs for the delivery of the PSPO
message at that time.
A lack of capacity in the current non-emergency 101 reporting phone line, is resulting
in instances of anti-social behaviour going unreported and as a result the true extent
of ASB within the District remains unknown. The frustrations experienced by
residents attempting to report issues may deter future efforts to do the same,
harming the relationship between general public and the Police.
Police and Community Services clearly know the best use for PSPOs, however, the
work of the working group clearly evidenced the message to the public wasn’t
effectively communicated. With no one particular partner appearing to take overall
responsibility for this aspect of the measure, it created confusion and clearly
alienated young people in particular. Whilst it is acknowledged that a swift response
to dealing with ASB, especially on a scale that warrants consideration of a measure
such as a PSPO, is desirable, there must remain a balance between this need for
speed, and sufficient, effective communication with the public, especially with the
group which is likely to be most impacted by its implementation.
The Council and partners need commitment to celebrate and promote the positive
messages of young people in order to counteract the sometimes negative
stereotyping of ASB with young people.
Use of PSPO
Scrutiny findings show that the PSPO cannot be seen as solely responsible for the
reduction seen in ASB, but that it was a collection of measures and tactics used,
including the Incremental Approach.
Whilst evidence shows that ASB has reduced in Countesthorpe when used in
conjunction with these other measures and interventions, there are lessons to be
learnt:
29
Both the incremental approach and the PSPO failed to be effective for a
particular core group (known to services) in dealing with ASB in
Countesthorpe, It therefore would suggest the PSPO has not changed the
attitudes or behaviours of those it was primarily targeting.
ASB was already in decline from its peak in March 2016 prior to the PSPO
being instigated in July 2016 – could the incremental approach be more
robust.
When there are known individuals already on the latter stages of the
legal/non-legal incremental approach, it should be questioned whether
sufficient gains can be achieved by a blanket approach use of a PSPO.
All efforts should be made, where possible to avoid the criminalisation of
young people. In this instance the rigidity of the PSPO’s current phrasing,
along with the perceptions of young people, appear counter to positive
community policing and the development of community relations. Scrutiny
members are concerned that the views expressed by young people in the
location of the order, may translate to unfavourable opinions of authorities
such as the Council and Police force in adult life.
Recommendations
That Cabinet Executive, Blaby Community Safety Partnership, partners and the
Police and Crime Commissioner fully considers the report and responds to Scrutiny
recommendations:-
1. That a lead partner be identified at the outset to coordinate clear
communication to local councils, communities and all relevant partners, prior
to any measures being implemented.
2. That consideration be given to low cost, geographic and demographic ‘Social
Media’ advertising as a method of communication, in relation to the
implementation of PSPO’s and similar large measures to tackle ASB.
3. That measure’s are in place to improve the flow of information between
Parish’s and the District Council with regards to ASB.
4. That prior to the implementation of any future PSPO which impacts upon
young people, account be taken of school term times, and if required, any
additional measures be taken to ensure clear, effective communication to this
group.
5. That all incident outcomes are reported back to the victim to increase public
confidence.
30
6. That Crimestoppers contact information is included with details of other crime reporting mediums.
7. 101 Call handling – that the Police & Crime Commissioner delivers on his
commitment to improve the service for non emergency crime reporting.
8. Community Trigger – that the Council makes anyone submitting a Community Trigger Reporting form aware of others submitted separately within the last six months to provide a more joined up approach to addressing related issues
9. Improve Community Trigger information and awareness with Local Councils, on the website and other media platforms.
10. Any future considerations of the potential utilisation of a PSPO, will be re-
worded to allow flexibility in dealing with breaches of any such order. The
current order states that the Council ‘shall’ take formal action on all breaches
of the PSPO. It is considered that where possible, a community resolution
may be the more appropriate and effective course of action.
11. Where a PSPO is implemented there must be an effective Exit Strategy in order for a longer term solution to be achieved. Working closely with Parish/Town Councils, local agencies and other partners.
12. Improve management continuity of families with a history of ASB, where more than one Registered Housing Provider is involved, for greater co-ordination and consistency, via the incremental approach.
13. The Council and partners need commitment to celebrate and promote the positive messages of young people in order to counteract sometimes negative stereotyping of ASB with young people.
Incremental Approach – that Community Safety partners ensure all avenues are
exhausted before considering applying a Public Safety Protection Order to ensure:-
14. It is used as last resort with all avenues pursued and exhausted before implementing.
15. Clear reasons for instigating PSPO are drawn up with partners.
16. Ensure order is specific and appropriate for the level of enforcement
necessary, and it should not be a ‘cover-all’ – most importantly it should not have the effect (perceived or otherwise) of disenfranchising whole or part of a community.
31
Background information
1. The Incremental Approach (Anti-Social Behaviour Protocol) - Leicester,
Leicestershire & Rutland 2016-17
2. HMIC Leicestershire Police Crime Inspection 2014 – Leicestershire Police
www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk
3. Police & Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire update to the Police & Crime
Panel on Quarter 1 2016/17 Quarter 1 Performance
4. HMIC PEEL: Police effectiveness 2015 – An inspection of Leicestershire
Police www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmic
5. Home Office Anti-Social Behaviour Call Handling Pilot Evaluation,
Leicestershire Sub-Region September 2011
https://leics.police.uk/media/uploads/library/file/ASB_Call_Handling_Pilot_Leic
estershire_Final.pdf
6. Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/12/contents/enacted
7. Crime and policing in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
https://www.police.uk/
32
APPENDICES
Appendix 1 - Strategic Overview........................................................................... 33
The Incremental Approach ................................................................................... 34
Non-Legal and Legal stages of the Incremental Approach ................................... 35
Community Trigger reporting form ........................................................................ 36
Appendix 2 - Braunstone Town Door knocking Exercise ................................... 40
Leaflet Drop Flyer ................................................................................................. 40
Questionnaire ....................................................................................................... 41
Guidance for canvassers ...................................................................................... 42
Questionnaire Responses .................................................................................... 43
Appendix 3 - Resident Responses........................................................................ 44
Appendix 4 - Young Persons Feedback ............................................................... 52
Cover letter to education professionals ................................................................. 52
Young persons worksheet – General .................................................................... 53
Young persons worksheet – Countesthorpe ......................................................... 54
Youth Council Consultation .................................................................................. 55
Results of the Young Persons Worksheet ............................................................ 59
Countesthorpe-Leysland student comments regarding the PSPO ....................... 73
Appendix 5 - Community Services PSPO Review ............................................... 79
33
Appendix 1 - Strategic Overview
34
The Incremental Approach
(Anti-Social Behaviour Protocol for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland 2016-17)
The Incremental Approach is a joint initiative between community safety partners
across Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland. Its aim is to ensure that ASB
enforcement measures are used proportionately and at the appropriate point in
relation to an adult or young person’s involvement in ASB.
The document details the approach of agencies, partner agencies including the
Police, Impact Team, the Youth Offending Team and Housing providers. The
approach ensures consistency in terms of a proportionate and phased approach to
the operational management of ASB. It uses SENTINAL as a recording system
important for the recording of and sharing data between partner agencies.
Incremental Approach flow chart
35
Non-Legal and Legal stages of the Incremental Approach
36
Community Trigger reporting form
37
38
39
40
Appendix 2 - Braunstone Town Door knocking Exercise
Leaflet Drop Flyer
Dear Resident,
Blaby District Council is eager to hear your opinions of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)
in this area.
On Tuesday 18th October between 5.00pm and 6.00pm
Your local Councillors alongside Blaby District Council staff will be door-knocking in
this street to get your views.
What we are interested in finding out
Have you reported or attended community meetings about ASB
Did action taken to resolve ASB make a difference - what worked , why?
Do you feel that there is sufficient support for victims of ASB?
Any other comments relating to ASB that you would like to share.
If you wont be at home on the evening of the 18th but would still like to provide Blaby District Council with
some feedback on this subject, please contact us via e-mail or phone:
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: Senior Scrutiny Officer Linda McBean on 0116 2727708
Phone: Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer James Edmondston 0116 2727638
Councillor
Sam Maxwell
Councillor
Bill Wright
41
Questionnaire
42
Guidance for canvassers
Scrutiny: Anti-Social Behaviour Questionnaire Tuesday 18
th October 2016 Braunstone Civic Centre 5.00 –
6.00 pm Guidance for Canvassers
General
Have your Council ID visible
Canvassers are to wear the appropriate high-visibility gilet provided .
All conversations to be held on the doorstep, you should not enter a property.
All conversations must be held with adults 18 years or over.
Work in teams of two or three,
Be vigilant and aware of the environment
At least one member of the team should carry a mobile phone and should provide a contact number to the Co-ordinator Linda McBean (07952851274)
At the door
Always introduce yourselves and be sure to have identification visible.
Explain the purpose of the questionnaire:
“Blaby District Council is seeking the opinions of local residents on the issue of Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) in this area, particularly how it has been dealt with and how it has been tackled. ASB being any behaviour which caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons”.
Explain how confidentiality is maintained:
“This short questionnaire is totally confidential, we do not require your name for its completion, and we do not record the address at which each questionnaire was completed. Questionnaires will be processed securely at Blaby District Council Main Offices and the original paper copies will be destroyed upon the completion of our information gathering exercise”.
Questioning:
Most of our questions only require a simple tick-box answer, it is important however that during the open ended questions, no prompting is given to the resident. For example:
Q3: Have you personally experienced any form of ASB? If so what?
If the resident is struggling to answer or asks for an example, please refer them to the definition of ASB “any behaviour which caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons” rather than listing off examples of ASB such as vandalism/graffiti/speeding traffic/gangs etc. Any feedback relating to ASB is useful to us, should you run out of space on the questionnaire please make a few notes / bullet points on the back of the sheet.
The map overleaf identifies the areas where the door knocking will take place.
43
Questionnaire Responses Do
you
cons
ider
ASB
to b
e an
issu
e in
this
area
?
Ratin
g
0-10
Have
you
per
sona
lly e
xper
ienc
ed a
ny
form
of A
SB?
If so
wha
t?
Did
you
repo
rt
thes
e in
cide
nts
of A
SB?
Who
did
you
repo
rt th
em
to?
If yo
u di
d no
t
repo
rt th
ese
inci
dent
s, w
hy
not?
whe
n yo
u re
port
ed A
SB, w
ere
you
satis
fied
with
the
outc
ome?
Have
you
att
ende
d an
y
com
mun
ity m
eetin
gs o
r
foru
ms r
egar
ding
ASB
over
the
last
2 y
ears
?
Are
you
awar
e of
any
mea
sure
s put
in p
lace
or
actio
ns o
ver t
he la
st 2
yea
rs to
com
bat A
SB in
this
are
a?
In y
our o
pini
on, w
hat w
ould
redu
ce o
r sto
p AS
B in
this
are
a?
Is th
ere
anyt
hing
furt
her y
ou w
ould
like
to co
mm
ent o
n w
ith re
gard
s the
issu
e of
ASB
in th
is a
rea?
NO
6KI
DS IN
FRO
NT
OF
SHO
P TH
ROW
ING
FOO
D AR
OUN
D
YES
POLI
CEN
/AYE
SN
ON
OFO
RCE
THEM
TO
STO
PN
ON
E
NO
3DO
OR
BELL
GO
NE
NO
NO
ON
EN
/AN
/AN
OYE
S (P
OLI
CE)
POLI
CE T
O D
O T
ALKS
IN S
CHO
OL
NO
NE
YES
6VE
HICL
E BR
OKE
N IN
TO T
WIC
E IN
5 D
AYS
YES
POLI
CEN
/AI K
NEW
NO
THIN
G W
OUL
D
COM
E O
F IT
(NO
FO
REN
SICS
)
BUT
IMPO
RTAN
T TO
STI
LL T
ELL
THE
POLI
CE
NO
YES
(NEI
GHBO
UR N
UISA
NCE
IN
THE
PAST
- HA
D TO
FIL
L IN
A
PACK
OF
INFO
R FO
R
EVID
ENCE
)
MO
RE P
RESE
NCE
ON
A
FRID
AY/S
ATUR
DAY
NIG
HT O
R
YOUT
H W
ORK
ERS
NO
NE
UNSU
RE3
CAR
CRIM
E (2
YEA
RS A
GO)
YES
INSU
RAN
CEN
/AN
/AN
ON
O (4
-5 Y
EARS
AGO
YES
)LI
TTER
YES
7W
ASHI
NG
LIN
E CU
T, LI
TTER
, THR
OW
ING
FULL
CAN
S O
F PO
P TH
ROUG
H TH
E
WIN
DOW
, BUZ
ZERS
NO
T W
ORK
ING
ON
THE
FLAT
S, P
EOPL
E O
N M
OSS
DALE
MEA
DOW
S O
N B
IKES
SPI
NN
ING,
AN
D O
N
CAR
PARK
S
YES
POLI
CE A
ND
BDC
N/A
YES
(PO
LICE
OFF
ICER
ATTE
NDE
D AN
D TO
OK
STAT
EMEN
TS, P
ASSE
D O
N
NAM
ES E
TC, N
O P
ROBL
EMS
SIN
CE)
NO
YES
(HEI
GHTE
NED
PO
LICE
PRES
ENCE
)
GREA
TER
SECU
RITY
WIT
HIN
THE
FLAT
S (L
IGHT
S, B
UZZE
RS &
LOCK
S)
EMH
HAVE
SEN
T SO
MEO
NE
BUT
NO
THIN
G DO
NE
YET
NO
NE
YES
6N
UISA
NCE
NEI
GHBO
URS
(NO
W E
VICT
ED)
& G
ROUP
OF
KIDS
CAU
SIN
G N
UISA
NCE
AT
SHO
PS
YES
POLI
CE A
ND
BDC
N/A
YES
(BUT
TO
OK
9 M
ON
THS)
NO
YES
(BEH
AVIO
UR C
ON
TRAC
TS
GIVE
N O
UT)
NAT
ION
AL S
ERVI
CE &
MO
RE
PCSO
'S
LOVE
LY A
REA/
COM
MUN
ITY
YES
5.5
KIDS
HAN
GIN
G AR
OUN
D BE
ING
LOUD
YES
POLI
CEN
/AIM
PRO
VED
BUT
NO
T
RESO
LVED
YES
NO
POLI
CE N
OT
HAVI
NG
POW
ER (F
INES
ETC
)
COUN
CILL
ORS
TO
TAK
E M
ORE
ACT
ION
YES
8KI
DS H
ANGI
NG
ARO
UND
& LI
TTER
NO
NO
ON
EM
INO
R IS
SUES
N/A
NO
NO
YES
7KI
DS H
ANGI
NG
ARO
UND
BEIN
G RO
WDY
YES
POLI
CE A
ND
BDC
N/A
NO
NO
YES
(UPD
ATES
)TH
E YO
UTH
BUS
MAK
ES T
HIN
GS
WO
RSE
LACK
OF
POLI
CE P
RESE
NCE
, NO
PO
LICE
WIT
H TH
E YO
UTH
BUS
YES
POLI
CEN
/AN
OM
ORE
PO
LICE
BETT
ER C
ON
TRO
L WIT
H BB
19
YES
9CH
ILDR
EN H
AVE
TAKE
N T
HE B
ARK
OFF
TREE
S AT
THE
BAC
K
YES
EMH
/ PO
LICE
/ CLL
R
N/A
NO
(NO
FEE
DBAC
K)N
OYE
S (U
SED
TO B
E A
GRO
UP
WIT
H SO
NIA
)
PARE
NTI
NG
I'VE
DON
E EV
ERYT
HIN
G, (C
OUN
CILL
OR)
SHO
ULD
ANSW
ER H
IS P
HON
E
YES
2.5
2 CA
RS B
ROKE
N IN
TO R
ECEN
TLY
(OTH
ER
RESI
DEN
T)
NO
NO
ON
EN
/AN
/AN
ON
OGO
OD
COM
MUN
ITY,
FEE
L THA
T PE
OPL
E
WO
ULD
RALL
Y RO
UND
IF S
OM
ETHI
NG
HAPP
ENED
YES
2N
ON
ON
O O
NE
N/A
N/A
NO
NO
DON
'T K
NO
WKI
DS P
LAYI
NG
FOO
TBAL
, BUT
NO
T FO
R
LON
G, IT
DO
ESN
'T B
OTH
ER M
E
UNSU
RE0
NO
NO
N/A
N/A
N/A
NO
NO
NO
T EX
PERI
ENCE
D AN
Y SO
CAN
'T
ANSW
ER
NO
NE
YES
5N
ON
ON
/AN
/AN
/AN
ON
ON
OT
ENO
UGH
FOR
KIDS
,
ESPE
CIAL
LY IN
THE
SUM
MER
,
GATH
ER A
T TH
E SH
OPS
AN
D
PHO
NE
BOX,
BEC
AUSE
THE
RE'S
NO
THIN
G EL
SE T
O D
O.
SHO
PS T
END
TO A
TTRA
CT K
IDS,
PAR
KS
AT E
ITHE
R EN
D O
F TH
E RO
AD, Y
OU
GET
BEHA
VIO
UR E
VERY
WHE
RE
YES
7SO
ME
HAPP
ENIN
G TO
NEI
GHBO
URS
LAST
YEAR
. DAM
AGE
TO C
AR. V
ANDE
LISM
AN
D
HAN
GIN
G AR
OUN
D, G
ROUP
S O
F PE
OPL
E
AT T
HE S
HOPS
AN
D CO
MIN
G DO
WN
THE
ROAD
.
NO
NO
ON
EN
O P
ARTI
CULA
R
REAS
ON
IT
ALW
AYS
HAPP
ENS
IN T
HE
PARK
I TH
INK
N/A
NO
NO
SOM
ETHI
NG
TO S
TOP
YOUN
G
PEO
PLE
GOIN
G TO
THE
PAR
K AT
NIG
HT, S
TOP
LARG
E GR
OUP
S
CON
GREG
ATIN
G
NO
NE
YES
6N
ON
E RE
ALLY
NO
N/A
WO
ULDN
'T B
E
WO
RTH
IT
N/A
NO
NO
44
Appendix 3 - Resident Responses
E-mail Reply #1 Subject: ASB Date: 18/09/2016 Sir/Madam I am contacting you with regard to the anti social behaviour problem in Countesthorpe I am the Parish Council Police liaison officer for the Parish Council, and in close contact with the local Police. If the Parish has any problems I contact the local PCSO officer who swiftly deals or attempts to deal with such problems . This system has been in operation for many years now and works well. With regard to the latest problems with ASB I consider that this was localised and not a severe problems , the local officers dealt quickly and kept the problem to a minimum. The press caused an outcry when there was not one, and publicity spread the wrong message. We have had ASB problems as other villages have, and still do have this is something that has always happened in Countesthorpe. Hopefully this problem is now on the wane. Time will only tell. Kind Regards, Dxxxxxxxxxll ___________________________________________________________________ E-mail Reply #2 Subject: Review of PSPO Date: 03/10/2016 I've just read the article in the Countesthorpe Herald asking for views on anti-social behaviour in Countesthorpe and the PSPO. I have lived in Countesthorpe for 22 years and regularly (4-5 nights a week) go out in the evening to either jog or walk. I semi regularly see youth workers walking round the village in pairs talking to each other as there are seemingly no youths to talk to. Clearly from the number of reports there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour but I for one have not seen or experienced this anywhere in the village. It came as a shock to be informed by work colleagues from across the Midlands that 'Countesthorpe had been overrun by feral kids' after they had seen it on the local news. From the amount of press coverage Countesthorpe received I am guessing that these orders are rare or we were the first to use the powers? Are we really the worst place in the Midlands for unruly youth behaviour? No one asked me my views before introducing the PSPO yet press reports say residents were 95% in favour.
45
I would welcome more information to understand:- 1. How many of these orders are there in Leicestershire and the wider East Midlands. 2. Why was this seen as the answer? 3. What powers does it give that the police don't already have? 4. How many times has it been used in Countesthorpe since it was introduced. My overall impression is that this was introduced to be seen to be doing something and as I have been lucky enough not to encounter any unruly youths I also haven't seen any change. Garxxxxxxxxs ___________________________________________________________________ E-mail Reply #3 Subject: Scrutiny Working Group Date: 06/10/2016 Further to your notice in the Braunstone Life publication, I would like to submit my views on what I consider to be anti-social behaviour in my community. I have been a resident of Braunstone Town since 1972 and have seen tremendous changes since then. I have many observations of seemingly oversight or neglect regarding the state of the area. However, with particular reference to anti-social behaviour:
1. Inconsiderate and unsafe parking. As the Town has expanded and families grow, residents are Parking with all 4 wheels on pavements in many areas - residents have to walk on the road to get past. Parking on corners of roads, resulting in road users driving in the middle of the road with greatly reduced visibility for oncoming cars. Driving over pavements.
2. Parking on grass verges (cars, vans and small lorries) causing considerable damage with resultant ruts and mud on pavements which is a slip hazard in wet weather. In most circumstances, there is sufficient space on the drives of the vehicle owners. Additionally, such parking can reduce visibility of cars exiting nearby side roads.
I have been informed by a friend that Melton Borough Council have proposed anti-social behaviour orders for their residents who damage Council land as covered in point 2 above. On enquiry, I understand that Blaby District, rather than the Town Council, are responsible for this maintenance and therefore liable for any claim of injury caused by slips, falls etc.
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I would be grateful if you could let me know how the outcome of the Scrutiny Working Group will be published. I would also be more than happy to provide further information. Kind regards Sxxxxxxxxe ___________________________________________________________________ E-mail Reply #4 Subject: Anti social behaviour review Date: 06/10/2016 In anticipation of the review of the PSPO in Countesthorpe, I would like to comment on the situation from a villager’s perspective: I am a single parent with a 15-year old son who attends Countesthorpe College. My son does not go out in the evenings as he feels intimidated by the groups of older teenagers who are hanging around, particularly in the Paddock area. The Paddock is not lit at night which enables groups of teenagers to congregate out of sight. Last night there was a group of around 10-12 boys who met at the gate-way to the Paddock and then made their way over to the bench in the far corner. It is obvious that they congregate to take drugs. I walk my dogs on the Paddock and on some mornings, especially at the weekend I will witness in excess of 25-30 'drug' bags lying around the bench amongst other items, including food and remnants of glass. It is also common knowledge that there are a number of drug dealers within the village and that there is a rising element of drug taking and associated crime. I do not believe that the situation is under control and would wish for the PSPO to continue and be enforced strongly. I also believe that lighting on the Paddock may help in discouraging these unwelcome gatherings. I have lived in the area for over 48 years and attended Countesthorpe College myself. It is no longer the village I know and seems to have deteriorated with the introduction of new housing developments. I choose to live in a village for a reason (community and a peaceful/safe environment) and that reason is no longer valid for Countesthorpe. Regards Dexxxxxxxxxxn ___________________________________________________________________ E-mail Reply #5 Subject: Anti social behaviour Date: 16/10/2016
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I am writing to inform you of my experience of the ASB. During March I experienced a number of ASB incidents. On at least 2 occasions I had to phone the police. The police were supportive at the time of the incidents. The ASB I was experiencing was centred around youths climbing onto the Health Centre roof and jumping off and I know they were running through my neighbours gardens, although I did not catch them in my garden. The second time I had to phone 999 (reluctantly, but I needed action to be taken) as I had had a bottled lobbed at my house from the health centre roof and it hit my patio doors with some force. The police came to my house promptly and took a statement. They had previously (the week before) responded quickly to my neighbours too. I sent 1 follow up email from the PCSO but at that point I had no further communication. I was very annoyed to hear about the consultation for the PSPO after the time had passed, via the grapevine, as I feel that as someone who had suffered from ASB, should have been notified, as the PCSO had all my contact details. I feel very frustrated that myself and my neighbour had to be the ones responsible for informing the health centre of the incidents and putting pressure on them to up their security (which they had very little of!) as I met with the manager twice to discuss what action they were going to take. I have lived here for over 12 years and this is not the first time we have suffered from youths causing disorder - a few years back now we had to phone the police a number of times to report youths climbing the roof. I would like to be kept informed of any meetings or action that is taking place to help the problems in the village. I feel it is important that the youths are supported to correct their choices of behaviour and that the parents are also held accountable. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to get in contact. Regards Rexxxxxxxxxxrd ___________________________________________________________________ E-mail Reply #6 Subject: Antisocial behaviour Date: 22/10/2016 In addition to the usual antisocial behaviours of litter, noise and vandalism. We are having increasing problems with vehicles, including heavy lorries parked on the pavement along Gynsill Lane. The vehicles obstruct the view along the road making pulling out into traffic very dangerous, obstruct the path requiring pedestrians to use the road and cause speeding vehicles to swerve into the oncoming traffic. Grxxxxxxxxxxy ___________________________________________________________________ E-mail Reply #7 Subject: Perceptions of anti-social behaviour
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Date: 23/10/2016 I have three main issues of what i percieve as anti-social behavior. Firstly the issue of graffitti, particularly on data boxes in the street provided by Virgin Media and the like. these appear to be the most popular, legitimate targets of tagging. I am of the opinion that the owners of these boxes should have an obligation to re-spray or remove this mess on a regular basis, if not, the council should do it and invoice the companies concerned for the work. secondly is the issue of car parking around schools at the beginning and end of day. living on lyndale road presents a real hazard when trying to turn right at these times with vehicles parked with all 4 wheels on the pavement. parking restrictions are in place but are never enforced. these restrictions should be removed sooner than allowing and encouraging people to break the law by not acting on these restictions. lastly is the subject of garden fires. are there any by-laws restricting these? throughout the summer fires have become more of a problem with residents burning household and garden waste at any time of day. returning home to find your bedroom filled with acrid smoke or your washing covered in black residue is no joke. the only solution we have is to not leave washing out if we are not in and to close all upstairs windows regardless of how hot it may be. yours,
N. xxxxxxxxxx.
___________________________________________________________________ E-mail Reply #8 Subject: ASB Countesthorpe Date 30/10/2016 For the people at Brook Court the problems of ASB really started when the Parish Council re-vamped the play area on Dale Acre, full marks to them the play area needed an up grade and they did well except for the multi person swing. Why can't the Parish Council acknowledge they got the siting of this piece of equipment wrong. It's to close to the flats of Brook Court and the noise, bad language and missiles. Yes the park was there before Brook Court but surly the residents in Brook Court should have been shown consideration and been consulted, yes I know there was a meeting but no one here heard about it until it was to late. If only the Parish could move this multi swing further down the field where it would not bother us or other residents in Dale Acre. EMH homes have put up new fencing which as stopped youths squeezing though and they have put up fencing onto of parish metal fencing so the when youngsters are gathering under the tall trees they can no longer see into Brook Court and the residents are no longer subject to verbal abuse and spitting. Dark nights do not deter the youngsters and today's mobile phones play musics very load.
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I applaud the efforts of the police but it seems daft to have an activity bus at the college when the youths are gathered in Dale Acre. Good luck with this on going problem. Regards Suxxxxxxxis ___________________________________________________________________ Phone call #1 Phone call from Mrsxxxxxxxxxxis in Countesthorpe in response to scrutiny article in the local Herald Group of 5-6 youths regularly congregating in bus shelter on Rosebank Road adjacent to Foston Road/Leicester Rd between 5 – 7pm. Smoking drugs, spitting. Feel intimidated, scared to walk by. She hasn’t reported before wasn’t sure how to via Council, doesn’t have internet. ___________________________________________________________________ Phone call #2 Phone call, from a man in Countesthorpe, who wanted to stay anonymous and did not want to give a name, but happy for his views to be communicated to working group ‘I have seen a rise in ASB over the last 16 years, I have also lived in LFE and Kirby Muxloe, but Countesthorpe was the nicest place ever, socially it was very lovely. I have seen an increase in ASB over the last 2-3 years, and incidents are now occurring, on a daily and weekly basis. Countesthorpe has seen lots of housing developments over the last few years of which some have been allocated to the Housing Associations, cannot quantify how many have been allocated, but feel that the ASB stems from the families that live in those properties – aware that this is a convenient excuse, but if you have a look at Leysland School, where my wife works, it has a special unit dedicated for problematic children, i.e ones to disrupt class, have been excluded, etc, and wife says that the majority of the children are known as they from Countesthorpe. The teachers face a constant battle trying to teach these children/young people. The people committing ASB are mainly young adults, late teens, young men who like to drive their cars fast, the cars have been enhanced so you can hear the exhausts every morning and evening, this has been reported to Police, but nothing has been done about it. Perhaps because it is a low level crime.
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Every ASB we have encountered has been reported to Police, we haven’t been given a Police Incident Number, so we know it hasn’t been taken seriously. We did not know that we could report it to the council or that an ASB team was based there. We also did not know about the PSPO consultation – otherwise we would have given our feedback’ I asked if he felt unsafe, he responded: ‘When I walk the dogs I now do it during the day because I know the children will be in school, and I can have a bit of peace, its easier during the day, if I walked them in the evening, some of the kids have made comments about my dogs, calling them rats (they are Chihuahua) and walking behind us. I feel emotionally threatened, I feel if was to stand up to them, it could get physical, and I don’t want that’ Even when we go church, (St Andrews, Countesthorpe) we went for an evening service/function and apples were thrown at the church windows, and we could hear them inside, the Church has faced constant vandalism over the past few months, the kids have been on the roof too. It has also had an impact on some of the charity collections, some of the boxes that people can leave outside their homes have been set alight and kicked over- this stops people wanting to leave things for the local charity which helps vulnerable people. For Sale signs and placards that are put on people’s houses have also been knocked over and left in the middle of the street for us to clear. We are always told that the police are aware of who is committing the ASB, but nothing is done about it, if they are aware why wont the Police act? We haven’t brought these issues to our District Councillors, as we always report it direct to the Police, however the Chairman of the Parish Council is aware of what has been happening’ Call ended, he was thankful for being able to give his views and queried what would happen with the final recommendations – he has asked that the final report is included in the Herald. ___________________________________________________________________ Phone call #3 Phone call from Mrs Cxxxxxxxxxs of Whetstone.
Mrs Wxxxxxs has been a resident of Whetstone for approximately 15 years, and has
only had issues with ASB in the area during the last 2-3 years. The primary issue
being that of people racing motorbikes along the Blaby bypass, she describes the
noise as being so much louder than normal traffic and believes the motorbikes have
been modified for this purpose.
Mrs Wxxxxxs stated that this occurs all through the night and during most weekends,
though can’t comment about during weekdays as she is not at home. She stated that
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‘everybody’ is talking about this issue, but the police don’t seem bothered as there is
never any police presence in the area.
When asked as to whether she had reported this to the police either online or via the
101 line, she stated no, and that the police ‘don’t do anything anyway’ and had a few
years ago just put up a ‘think bike sign’ when similar incidents had been
experienced.
At this point she referred back to a previous spate of ASB in whetstone ‘a few years
ago’ where there were some issues with groups of young people gathering in the
evenings and into the night, she stated that the police were contacted but ‘did
nothing, and had the cheek to post notices through everyone’s doors saying the
issue was dealt with’ she said it was only though the intervention of the Council that
this issue was finally resolved.
Mrs Wxxxxxs stated that she was still aware of groups of youths forming in the area
during the evenings and into the night, though had experienced no ASB herself from
these groups recently.
Going back to the issue of the motorbikes, Mrs Wxxxxxs stated that she and others
had considered going out to try and record these incidents of ASB, though had been
advised against it. I advised that if ‘everyone’ was discussing this issue and had
similar complaints, if all of these people raised the issue to the police then this may
make it a higher priority for attention and resources. She stated that the situation was
beyond just reporting, and she wanted to contact the police regarding a sit down to
discuss the issues. I once again advised that the issue be reported via 101 or the
police website and that others with similar complaints be encouraged to do so, Mrs
Wxxxxxs agreed to do this. I explained how the information she had provided would
be used, and she was happy that the Council were prepared to listen to residents
regarding issues such as this.
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Appendix 4 - Young Persons Feedback
Cover letter to education professionals
To the Schools and Colleges of Blaby District What we’re trying to achieve
Councillors from Blaby District Council are seeking to increase their knowledge and understanding of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) within the area. The views of younger residents, such as your students are vital to this exercise. Young people are often unfairly labelled as the cause of many ASB issues, and can often be overlooked when considering the impact of ASB on people within the community
What you can do to help
We have provided you with a number of worksheets which we are asking you to distribute to your students and collate once completed, whilst a brief introduction or class discussion on the subject of ASB would be useful prior to the worksheets being completed, we appreciate that education professionals are extremely busy people with a demanding workload. In consideration of this, we have tried to design our worksheet to be as simple as possible, so as to require minimal teacher input, incase providing this additional support would not be practical.
How does this apply to the curriculum?
This topic could be used to supplement the following areas of the PSHE (Personal, Social Health & Economic Education) and Citizenship curriculum:
PSHE Key stage 3&4 – Developing a healthy, safer lifestyle
Citizenship Key stage 3&4 – Knowledge and understanding about becoming informed citizens
Ethical considerations
This worksheet covers Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), this includes potentially emotive subjects such as bullying and harassment, if you feel as though this material may not be appropriate for some students, we understand if the choice is made to not provide them with this worksheet. Although we are certain that your place of learning will have safeguarding measures in place and experience with signposting young people towards appropriate services which can offer support to them with such issues, it would be irresponsible of ourselves not to acknowledge the subject matter and to remind you of this consideration. Confidentiality
Please note: We are not asking your students to identify themselves on this worksheet, significant personal identifiers are not required, we only require students to provide their age and identify what area (town/village etc) they reside in or near. Returned worksheets will be processed securely and paper copies destroyed upon the completion of our information gathering exercise. Contact Information E-mail: [email protected] Phone: Linda McBean – Senior Scrutiny Officer (0116 2727708)
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Young persons worksheet – General
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Young persons worksheet – Countesthorpe
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Youth Council Consultation
During a meeting of the Youth Council on the evening of 3rd October, Cllr.
Broomhead and Cllr. Clifford, assisted in facilitating an information gathering
exercise on the subject of anti-social behaviour. In total, 12 young people were
present at this meeting and they were, in turn, split into 4 groups, with each listing
what ASB meant to them. This work with the Youth council also served additional
purposes, with the aims of assisting the ASB information gathering exercise amongst
young people as a whole, those being:
To introduce the members of the Youth Council to the young persons
worksheet which was being distributed amongst schools, in order for them to
encourage engagement amongst their peers and hopefully improve response
rates.
For a number of the Youth Council to complete the young persons worksheet,
and act as a test group, to enable the methods of analysis for the bulk of the
responses to be refined in order to save time and resources at a later stage.
A full transcribed list of the responses of each of these groups can be seen below:
Group 1
Experiences Disruption in Class
People in gangs on the Countesthorpe estate
Can’t go around as a group of friends outside of school (PSPO)
Stereotypes
Assemblies and classroom time is constantly being wasted on this (ASB)
Minority
Graffiti
Inconsiderate of others
Forceful language
Smashed a door in
Follow people
Spat on friends dog
Police cars around everyday
Social media fuels arguments
In fields smoking drugs
Swearing/threats
Hanging out in shops
How they can help us More consequences
Something that will affect them personally
Youth Detention Centre
Split PSHE lessons for people who need help in certain areas
What it means Disrupting others
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Causing distress and discomfort
Fear amongst all age groups
Intimidating behaviour
Hard to ignore
Vandalism
Group 2
Experiences Damaging shop property and running off
Smoking & doing drugs
Stealing
Afraid to speak out
Graffiti
Harassing local people
Being too loud
Misusing fire
Drinking
Feeling labelled
Knock a door run
Feel safer in groups, but not allowed to be in them
What it is Vandalism
Annoyance
Misbehaving
Being rebellious
Causing locals a problem
Littering
Bullying
Being disrespectful
Impacts others
Group 3
Experiences There’s always a group of 18 (approx.) year olds who hang around at the Skate park, and everyone feels really uncomfortable going anywhere near.
The Gypsy & Traveller Community (verbal abuse)
Ball kicked at me while on a bike going home
1-2 young people allowed in a shop at a time
Loud noise outside residence
Group 4
ASB is a form of Swearing
Vandalism
Graffiti
Harassment in verbal/physical ways
Taunting
Bullying – anyone – of all ages
Intimidation
Threats
Hate crime/incidents – racism, religious discrimination, homophobia, hate against disabilities
Noise
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Two separate groups appeared to refer to the PSPO in place in Countesthorpe, both
comments appeared to indicate a degree of misunderstanding as to how it is applied,
and what it means for them.
‘Can’t go around as a group of friends outside of school (PSPO)’
Group 1
‘Feel safer in groups, but not allowed to be in them’
Group 2
Potential Limitations The Members of the Youth Council, provided some extremely useful feedback on the
subject of ASB, this group cannot be considered to be a representative sample of
our target population (Young People of Blaby district) for the purpose of this
exercise, for the following reasons:
The size of the sample population (in this case 12 members of the Youth council), a
sample of this size, of a target population (Young people of Blaby District) in the
thousands, cannot adequately guarantee that anomalous results will not have a
warping effect on the overall picture.
A representative sample is one which is drawn without bias from the target
population. There would be a very strong argument to suggest that there is such a
bias within the Youth Council. For the following reasons:
The fact that those within this sample had put themselves forward to work with Blaby
District Council as members of the Youth Council, shows a greater alignment
between their own interests and those of the Council, as such it could be suggested
that members of the Youth council will be less likely to participate in behaviours
which could be considered ASB.
It could be argued that membership of the Youth Council, would increase awareness
in public issues, such as those of ASB, and as such, those from within this sample
group, could be expected to have a greater awareness of the nature of ASB and the
issues surrounding it.
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Key Points: Youth Council
Early responses to the ASB worksheet completed by the Members of the
Youth Council, allowed for a more efficient analysis of the worksheets which
were received from the Schools approx 2 weeks later due to methods of
analysis being refined.
Members of the Youth Council were encouraged to promote engagement
within their schools/colleges of the Young Persons ASB worksheet, this may
have contributed to the high response rate seen from this element of the
information gathering exercise.
Confusion regarding the PSPO in Countesthorpe was identified amongst this
group, and appeared to add to a sense of victimisation and stereotyping of
young people.
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Results of the Young Persons Worksheet
Response Rate:
A total of 3600 Young Persons Anti Social Behaviour worksheets were delivered to
the 3 schools participating in the information gathering exercise on Monday 26th
September. The schools were asked to arrange for collection of any completed
worksheets by Thursday 13th October. Both Brockington & Winstanley schools
returned completed worksheets by this date, however Countesthorpe-Leysland were
unable to do so until Thursday 3rd November.
Table 1, displays the response rates of each school, the percentage response rate
is not calculated directly from the number of worksheets returned to Scrutiny, but
rather, those returned, from which usable data could be drawn and used for the
information gathering exercise.
Upon commencement of the information gathering exercise, a response rate of 10%
was hoped for, the overall response rate of 32.83% far exceeded initial expectations
and provided a significant amount of qualitative and quantitative data.
Table 1: Worksheet response rates
School / Academy Worksheets Worksheets Worksheets % Response Rate
delivered returned returned (usable only)
(usable)
Brockington 1400 813 722 51.57
Countesthorpe-Leysland 1600 311 265 16.56
Winstanley 600 259 193 32.17
Wyggeston & Queen Elizabeth College 0 1 1 N/A
Bosworth Academy 0 1 1 N/A
TOTAL 3600 1385 1182 32.83
NOTE: The responses from Wyggeston & Queen Elizabeth College and Bosworth
Academy, were among a number of responses collated from members of the Youth
Council.
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Members of the Youth Council were made aware of the worksheet which was being
distributed, and asked to encourage participation and feedback from their peers at
their respective schools, this may have contributed to the high response rates seen.
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Area of residence of respondents:
Respondents of the worksheet were asked to list the area in which they live, the
1182 respondents came from across the District of Blaby and some from
neighbouring districts and within the City of Leicester itself, see Table 2.
Only those areas listed with 25 of more respondents were subject to further analysis
and comparison with each other. Areas with fewer than 25 respondents were
deemed to potentially be unreliable due to the smaller sample size and the potential
for anomalous data to have a greater impact on their results.
Table 2: Area of residence of respondents
Area n. %
Braunstone Town 280 23.69
Narborough & Littlethorpe 245 20.73
Enderby 178 15.06
Countesthorpe 76 6.43
Blaby 65 5.5
Huncote 51 4.31
Thorpe Astley 49 4.15
Aylestone 37 3.13
Whetstone 35 2.96
Croft 28 2.37
Glen Parva 24 2.03
Thurlaston 21 1.78
Eyres Monsell 13 1.1
Cosby 12 1.02
Broughton Astley 11 0.93
Leicester Forest East 6 0.51
Wigston 5 0.42
Stoney Stanton 4 0.34
Glenfield 3 0.25
Kilby 3 0.25
Sapcote 2 0.17
Fleckney 1 0.08
NO AREA LISTED 33 2.79
TOTAL 1182 100%
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Respondent identification as either victim or non-victim of ASB:
Respondents were asked ‘Have you experienced any ASB in your area?’ primarily
from this question, but also from other feedback provided, respondents were
categorised as either being, a victim of ASB or non-victim.
Respondents were always assumed to fall into the non-victim category, unless they
had clearly identified an incident of ASB which was either targeted directly at
themselves, or that had a direct impact on their daily life.
For example, a respondent who answered:
‘Some graffiti in the park, but it doesn’t bother me’
Would not be classified as a ‘victim’ as the incident of ASB was not directed at them,
and in this case they clearly expressed that it had no effect on them.
Whereas a respondent stating:
‘Graffiti on our fence’
Would be classified as a victim of ASB, due to the incident affecting in this case
property which they identify as their own.
Using these criteria, of the 1182 respondents, 273 (23%) clearly identified as having
been a victim of ASB, see Figure 3.
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Figure 3: Respondents identification as victim or non-victim of ASB
A further breakdown of this characteristic, amongst the areas of residence where the
sample size was considered large enough for viable data, shows some significant
variation across the survey area. Figure 4.
Figure 4: Respondents who identified as a victim of ASB per area
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The percentages displayed in Figure 4, above, as well as those in figure 3, are
unlikely to have a high degree of accuracy, for the following reasons:
It was clear from some responses, especially those of younger respondents
(under 13) that their understanding of ASB was often poor (in several cases,
ASB was thought to mean children without a smartphone, and so anti-social
due to them not messaging people) as such it would be hard to determine as
to whether they had personally experienced ASB from the worksheet which
was provided, as some respondents simply would not know if they had been a
victim of ASB. Face to face semi-structured interviewing would have provided
more accurate feedback from this group in particular, but the time required to
carry this out amongst other factors such as safeguarding issues and access
via gatekeepers made this option totally unfeasible.
Some respondents were ambiguous as to whether incidents of ASB had been
directly experienced by themselves, they would only be considered to have
been a victim if they had clearly indicated so, as previously mentioned.
Although the worksheet provided maintains anonymity, we can not say that
the worksheets themselves were completed in conditions which would ensure
respondents confidentiality is maintained, specifically a classroom
environment. The potential stigma or embarrassment of classmates or friends
becoming aware of a respondent having been subjected to some form of
ASB, specifically amongst this age group, incidents which could constitute
bullying, must also be considered as a potential factor of under reporting.
Historically, ASB as with all types of crime are under reported to some
degree, even through anonymous information gathering exercises, such as
this one.
Despite the difficulties in providing an accurate figure as to what percentage of
respondents had been a victim of ASB, given that these factors applied to all
respondents, the frequency of which respondents reported being a victim of ASB,
and so the order in which areas of residence are displayed in Figure 4 can be
considered to be reasonably accurate.
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ASB experienced by respondents: A total of 856 incidents of ASB were reported by respondents, see Figure 5.
Figure 5: ASB experienced by respondents
It is not possible to take into account the potential for ‘double counting’ through the
approach used in the information gathering exercise. For example, one incident of
ASB witnessed by several young people could potentially be reported to us via this
method multiple times.
As such, we cannot say that the numbers on the chart above represent unique
incidents of ASB, but as this potential for double counting applies to all of the
categories of ASB which appear in the table, it is reasonable to assume that the
order of frequency of these types of ASB is accurate, at least amongst this age
group.
It should be noted, that due to the design of the worksheet provided to the young
people, we would expect to see a small bias towards the categories of vandalism,
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bullying & harassment and street drinking as the worksheet itself mentions these
types of ASB during an earlier question.
Each incident of ASB which was reported by the respondents of the worksheet was
also given one of three classifications as to its overall impact on the community,
those being;
Personal - Perceived to be targeted at an individual rather than the community
Nuisance - Causing trouble, annoyance or suffering to the community at large
Environmental - Not aimed at individual or group but targets the wider
environment (public spaces/buildings)
Figure 6, below shows how the ASB incidents reported are broken down, using the
three classifications.
Figure 6: Category of ASB offences experienced
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The reporting of ASB:
Respondents were asked ‘Who is responsible for dealing with ASB, is it one
person/group or many? If you were the victim of ASB who would you tell?’
This question was likely to have a degree of bias towards the ‘Council’. Although no
mention is made to Blaby District Council within the worksheet given to the young
people, a cover letter provided to each teacher was addressed as being from Blaby
District Council, and it is reasonable to assume that this information may have been
passed on to some of the initial 3600 recipients of the worksheet. Likewise it is
reasonable to assume an amount of bias towards ‘School/Teacher’ given that the
worksheets were completed during school time and on school premises.
Figure 7: Who would you tell or report ASB to?
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Why do people commit ASB:
Respondents were asked to think about the reasons why people commit ASB, many
respondents were unable to provide a response to this question, though the
responses which were provided are shown in Figure 7, below.
Note: respondents could list as many potential reasons as they could think of.
Figure 8: Why do people commit ASB
Almost all of the respondents who listed potential reasons for ASB, referred to the
power of peer pressure amongst their answers. Many respondents also provided
well thought out, in depth responses which gave consideration to an individuals
personal circumstances, including home life, upbringing, as well as discipline and
structure provided by parents or guardians.
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ASB perception rating:
Respondents were asked to rate their area of residence on a scale from 0 to 10,
where 0 represented no ASB at all, 5 would be considered average and 10 would
represent an extremely high level of ASB.
Overall a district average rating of 4.07 was recorded, with most locations falling
within a range of 10% of this rating.
Figure 9: ASB perception rating
The addition of this rating question allows us to compare different areas of the district
(and beyond), only areas where a sufficiently large enough sample was obtained
(25+) were included in this comparison. The variation across the areas included is
significant.
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ASB perception rating (victims & non-victims):
The ASB rating given to each area was calculated again, for those who considered
themselves to have been a victim of ASB, and those who had not directly been
affected by ASB.
It would have been reasonable to assume that the perception rating of victims would
be higher, but the difference in rating was significant in each area, some of which
seeing over a 100% increase in the rating of perceived ASB incidents.
Using our scale where 0 represented no ASB at all, 5 would be considered average
and 10 would represent an extremely high level of ASB, all non-victims of ASB as a
group, believed the areas in which they lived were below average for ASB.
It is clear to see that those who had personal experience of ASB viewed their areas
very differently.
Figure 10: ASB perception rating - victims & non victims
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Feedback relating to the Countesthorpe PSPO
Students of Countesthorpe-Leysland College were provided with a slightly different
version of the ASB worksheet, which enquired specifically about the PSPO which
has been in place.
Of the 265 respondents from Countesthorpe-Leysland school, 194 provided an
opinion relating to the PSPO, of which:
45 were positive
22 were neutral or indifferent
127 were negative
A common theme amongst respondents was that of confusion as to what the PSPO
actually meant, and a sense of discrimination and stereotyping of younger people
within the area:
‘My safety has been compromised due to inaccurate stereotypes, it’s easier to
blame the majority, than punish the minority’
‘I think it’s against our rights, we are allowed to gather together’
‘I mostly agree with this. However what if we just want to play in groups and
aren’t being naughty, is this allowed?’
Many of the respondents with a positive opinion of the PSPO, accepted that there
was an issue within the area, and that action was required to deal with the scale of
ASB which had been experienced:
‘It’s fair because people are causing trouble’
‘It’s a good idea there are lots of people hanging around for no reason’
However even amongst this group, there were doubts as to the effectiveness of the
PSPO.
‘When I hear ASB I think of Countesthorpe & the amount of ASB here, it
happens because people are arseholes, the PSPO is a good idea, but they
actually need to enforce it!’
‘This might help the situation, but not get rid of it altogether’
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The majority of those expressing an opinion on the PSPO were negative regarding it.
‘The council should not blame young people, in other words it’s discrimination’
‘I think that the Council is horrible and useless and they don’t think. They don’t
do anything but make it worse. My personal opinion is it is rubbish, as the
good people will follow it and the bad people will ignore it, so it’s just
punishing the good people. I have lots more to say, but I’m not going to, as
you Council lot are not worth it to say’
‘People our age often feel safer in groups. How do you expect us to socialise’
‘I haven’t ever seen or heard of any ASB in Countesthorpe I just was aware of
it after the PSPO. I can understand that they would like to cut down on
problems that are happening, but for the majority of young people, they do
nothing and are just being burdened by the order. There’s nowhere to go in
Countesthorpe, hence being on the streets’
A complete list of all comments received from respondents from Countesthorpe-
Leysland school regarding the PSPO can be seen on the following pages.
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Countesthorpe-Leysland student comments regarding the PSPO
IT'S NOT ALL KIDS WHO ARE LIKE THAT BUT SOMETIMES RULES HAVE TO BE APPLIED.
IS FAIR.
THE PSPO IS FAIR, BUT IT SHOULD GO FROM 10-20.
I AGREE WITH THE AGE GROUP AND IT CAN MAKE PEOPLE FEEL INSECURE.
COUNTESTHORPE IS A SAFE PLACE, PEOPLE ARE BEING STUPID, THE PSPO IS PATHETIC.
BAD! STOPS PEOPLE FROM MEETING AND COMMUNICATING.
IT’S A GOOD IDEA.
STUPID BECAUSE ITS NOT EVERYONE.
ITS MADE THINGS WORSE.
UNFAIR.
I THINK ITS AGAINST OUR RIGHTS, WE ARE ALLOWED TO GATHER TOGETHER.
I DON’T AGREE BECAUSE OUR HUMAN RIGHTS DO NOT STATE WE MUST STAY IN LITTLE GROUPS.
ITS GOOD TO TRY AND STOP ASB, BUT BAD FOR PEOPLE WHO JUST WANT TO BE WITH FRIENDS.
I THINK ITS BAD BECAUSE NOT ALL GROUPS DO IT.
I THINK IT'S FAIR SO YOUNG PEOPLE DON'T CAUSE TROUBLE, BUT THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO HANG AND TALK.
I DON’T AGREE WITH THIS, IT'S JUST NOT APPROPRIATE.
I THINK THIS IS GOOD, BECAUSE BIG GROUPS OF TEENAGERS CAN BE INTIMIDATING, I THINK 10-11'S SHOULD BE ALLOWED.
PEOPLE WHO BEHAVE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO.
I THINK ITS NECESSARY TO STOP THINGS FROM HAPPENING.
ITS FAIR BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE CAUSING TROUBLE.
IT'S ALRIGHT.
ITS WRONG BECAUSE ITS NOT EVERYBODY, WHY DON’T YOU JUST PUT CAMERAS UP.
IT IS HORRIBLE, I CANT PLAY OUT PROPERLY WITH FRIENDS BECAUSE POLICE CONSTANTLY TELL US TO SPLIT UP.
YOU SHOULD SORT OUT THE PARK.
THEY SHOULD ONLY BE MOVED IF THEY ARE BEING INNAPROPRIATE.
ITS STUPID, IF YOU’RE A GROUP AND BEING GOOD WHAT ARE THE POLICE GONNA DO, SPLIT YOU UP?
ITS STUPID, THERE IS NO POINT.
ITS GOOD THAT THEY HAVE STOPPED PEOPLE CREATING GANGS.
I THINK BAD.
PEOPLE ARE JUST DOING STUFF THEY LIKE DOING, IF THEY ENJOY IT THEY SHOULD KEEP DOING IT, ALL THE OLD PEOPLE JUST TRY TO STOP YOUNG PEOPLE FROM HAVING FUN.
ITS PEOPLE HIGHER THAN THAT AGE.
IT SHOULDN’T HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED.
REALLY GOOD TO PREVENT ASBO BEHAVIOUR, TO CONTROL IT AROUND AREAS.
THE COUNCIL SHOULD NOT JUST BLAME YOUNG PEOPLE, IN OTHER WORDS ITS DISCRIMINATION.
PEOPLE WONT FEEL INTIMIDATED NOW, BUT OTHERS CANT HANG WITH FRIENDS.
I DON’T CARE, I DON’T LIVE THERE.
MOSTLY UNFAIR TO THOSE NOT DOING WRONG.
IT'S NOT EVERY YOUNG PERSON DOING THIS.
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IT’S A LITTLE MUCH, WHY SHOULD ALL SUFFER.
IT’S A GOOD IDEA.
THIS IS DISGRACEFUL.
I THINK IT'S UNFAIR AND YOU SHOULDN'T BLAME ALL YOUNG PEOPLE FOR ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR.
I THINK IT'S BAD, BUT IN COUNTESTHORPE THERE'S NOTHING TO DO.
NOT EVERYONE HAS DONE THIS, WHICH MEANS WHY SHOULD WE NOT BE ABLE TO HANG AROUND WITH OUR FRIENDS.
IT'S FAIR.
I THINK THAT THE COUNCIL IS HORRIBLE AND USELESS AND THEY DON’T THINK. THEY DON’T DO ANYTHING BUT MAKE IT WORSE. MY PERSONAL OPINION IS IT IS RUBBISH AS THE GOOD PEOPLE WILL FOLLOW IT AND THE BAD PEOPLE WILL IGNORE IT, SO IT'S JUST PUNISHING THE GOOD PEOPLE. I HAVE LOTS MORE TO SAY, BUT IM NOT GOING TO, AS YOU COUNCIL ARE NOT WORTH IT TO SAY.
THIS MIGHT HELP THE SITUATION, BUT NOT GET RID OF IT ALTOGETHER
ASB HAPPENS EVERYWHERE, AND IS ALWAYS MADE OUT TO BE WORSE THAN IT IS.
THIS IS UNFAIR UNLESS THEY ARE GENUINELY DISTURBING OTHERS.
PEOPLE OUR AGE OFTEN FEEL SAFER IN GROUPS. HOW DO YOU EXPECT YOUNGER PEOPLE TO SOCIALISE.
ITS NOT A GOOD ORDER BECAUSE IT'S NOT JUST TEENAGERS CAUSING THE PROBLEMS.
THIS IS STUPID, YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO SOCIALISE WITH THEIR FRIENDS.
NOT FAIR AS ITS NOT EVERYONE.
IT'S IMPORTANT TO SORT IT OUT.
WHY CAN'T THE POLICE JUST SORT IT OUT NORMALLY.
ITS NOT FAIR ON ALL PEOPLE.
UNFAIR TO GOOD PEOPLE.
STUPID, NOT EVERY KID IS BAD.
I DON’T AGREE WITH THIS AS NOT ALL YOUNG PEOPLE ARE BAD, AND THIS PREVENTS PEOPLE BEING WITH THEIR FRIENDS.
ITS GOOD, THEY'RE CAUSING TROUBLE.
OVER THE TOP AND DOESN’T NEED TO HAPPEN, QUITE FUNNY TO BE HONEST.
GOOD BECAUSE IT IS LESS INTIMIDATING TO OTHERS, HOWEVER IF PEOPLE WANT TO HANG OUT WITH THEIR FRIENDS THEY WONT BE ALLOWED TO.
NOT FAIR TO EVERYONE.
VERY GOOD
IT’S A GOOD IDEA.
MIGHT HELP
IT’S A BIT HARSH, IT’S THE MINORITY CAUSING THE PROBLEMS.
UNFAIR.
GOOD IDEA, BIG GROUPS ARE SCARY.
I HAVEN'T EVER SEEN OR HEARD OF ANY ASB IN COUNTESTHORPE I JUST WAS AWARE OF IT AFTER THE PSPO. I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO CUT DOWN ON PROBLEMS THAT ARE HAPPENING BUT FOR THE MAJORITY OF YOUNG PEOPLE, THEY DO NOTHING AND ARE JUST BEING BURDONED BY THE ORDER. THERE'S NOWHERE TO GO IN COUNTESTHORPE, HENSE BEING ON THE STREETS.
I THINK IT'S A FAIR POLICY BUT FOR THE PEOPLE THAT DON'T CAUSE ANY HARM IT'S A TOUGH, UNJUST PUNISHMENT.
I DON'T THINK IT'S FAIR FOR PEOPLE THAT HAVEN'T DONE ANY HARM.
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I MOSTLY AGREE WITH THIS. HOWEVER WHAT IF WE JUST WANT TO PLAY IN GROUPS AND AREN'T BEING NAUGHTY, IS THIS ALLOWED?
IT'S NOT FAIR BECAUSE THEY ARE JUST YOUNG CHILDREN.
ONLY NAUGHTY PEOPLE SHOULD BE SPLIT UP.
IT IS REALLY STUPID!!!
I HAVENT EXPERIENCED IT BUT ITHINK IT'S TOO STRICT.
MY SAFETY HAS BEEN COMPROMISED DUE TO INNACURATE STEREOTYPES, ITS EASIER TO BLAME THE MAJORITY THAN PUNISH THE MINORITY
THIS DIDN’T CHANGE ANYTHING, AND WAS DONE OUT OF PARANOIA RATHER THAN ANYTHING ELSE.
ITS NOT A GOOD IDDEA, BUT IT DOESN’T BOTHER ME AS I DON’T LIVE IN COUNTESTHORPE.
ITS REALLY GOOD AND A GOOD WAY TO STOP PEOPLE FROM DOING BAD STUFF.
PEOPLE SHOULD HANG WITH WHO THEY WANT.
PEOPLE SHOULD BE WITH WHOEVER THEY WANT TO BE WITH.
I DISAGREE WITH IT BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE ARE INNOCENT AND JUST LIKE BEING OUT WITH FRIENDS.
IN A WAY ITS GOOD, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE INNOCENT KIDS.
IT’S A GOOD IDEA.
NOT FAIR ON GOOD KIDS.
ITS OK, BUT SOMETIMES PEOPLE ARE GOOD.
SOME PEOPLE IN GROUPS ARE GOOD.
GOOD BECAUSE ITS LESS INTIMIDATING TO OTHERS, BUT IF PEOPLE WANT TO HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS THEY CANT.
OLDER PEOPLE FEEL INTIMIDATED BY LARGE GROUPS OF TEENAGERS SO I GUESS THEY THINK IT’S A GOOD IDEA.
CATCH THE PEOPLE DOING IT AND LEAVE EVERYONE ELSE ALONE.
STUPID.
NOT EVERYONE IS INVOLVED.
I THINK IN A WAY THIS IS GOOD TO STOP PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING IT, BUT THEN IT'S ALSO LABELLING 10-17 YEAR OLDS FOR CAUSING THE TROUBLE WHEN ANYONE CAN CAUSE IT, SO IT'S UNFAIR.
I AGREE AS IT MAKES SOME PEOPLE FEEL SAFER, BUT I ALSO DISAGREE AS IF YOU ARE WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDS AND ARE DOING NOTHING WRONG YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE PSPO.
I AGREE WITH THE ORDER.
I THINK IT'S STEREOTYPING TEENAGERS AND NOT ALLOWING US TO SOCIALISE. THE PEOPLE MAKING THE DECISIONS SHOULDN'T MAKE THE MAJORITY SUFFER FOR THE ACTIONS OF THE MINORITY.
IT WONT HELP, PEOPLE THAT AGE WILL ALWAYS FIND A WAY OF GATHERING IN GROUPS, THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH POLICE TO ENFORCE IT, THE PEOPLE WHO CAUSE ISSUES DON’T CARE ABOUT A PSPO.
THIS IS BAD BECAUSE IT'S ONLY A SMALL NUMBER WHO DO ASB.
NOT ALL GROUPS OF KIDS ARE BEING ANTI-SOCIAL.
IT WAS NEEDED, BUT THE GROUPS THAT GO ROUND INTIMIDATING STILL GO ROUND.
I THINK IT'S STUPID.
POINTLESS, NOT GOING TO WORK.
NOT FAIR.
GOOD IF IT DECREASES ASB.
NOT ALL TEENAGERS ARE MANACING. I THINK ITS UNFAIR.
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ITS BAD AS YOUR RUINING MATES HANGING ROUNG TOGETHER AND HAVING A GOOD TIME, ITS NOT EVERYONE.
ITS NOT RIGHT BECAUSE ITS ONLY A FEW PEOPLE WHO DO WRONG, THE ONES WHO DON’T SHOULDN’T BE PUNISHED.
I DON’T AGREE WITH IT.
DOESN’T MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
THIS IS NOT A VERY GOOD IDEA.
ITS NOT FAIR ON US BECAUSE WHY SHOULDN’T WE BE ABLE, AND IF YOU'RE JUST WALKING SOMEONE COULD JUST WALK NEXT TO YOU, AND THEN LOADS CAN!
IT'S STUPID.
NOT A GOOD IDEA, NOT ALL GROUPD OF KIDS ARE DOING ASB.
IF THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING BAD ITS RIGHT TO ENFORCE IT.
IT HAS CHANGED SOME THINGS, BUT IT HAS ALSO STOPPED PEOPLE WHO HAVE DONE NOTHING WRONG.
I THINK IT'S WRONG THAT SOME YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE ASB OF OTHERS.
I DON’T AGREE WITH THE PSPO, BUT IF PEOPLE ARE DESTROYING PROPERTY AND HURTING OTHERS SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE
THIS IS BAD BECAUSE FIRSTLY IT MEANS ALL THE GANGS WILL COME TO BLABY AND SECONDLY ITS NOT JUST PEOPLE IN THAT AGE GROUP.
UNFAIR TO THOSE NOT DOING ANYTHING.
I THINK THIS IS GOOD BECAUSE IT STOPS THE LARGE GROUPS FROM GATHERING.
THIS IS A BAD THING.
I DON’T LIVE IN COUNTESTHORPE SO IT DOESN’T AFFECT ME.
I THINK ITS BAD BECAUSE NOT ALL PEOPLE ARE BAD AND THIS ORDER STOPES PEOPLE WHO ARE GOOD AND INNOCENT FROM BEING WITH THEIR FRIENDS.
I THINK IT WORKS.
IT'S OK.
IF YOU DON’T DO ANYTHING WRONG YOU SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BE IN GROUPS.
NOT FAIR TO JUST FOCUS ON KIDS.
IT'S NOT RIGHT.
I THINK THAT STOPPING PEOPLE FROM GATHERING IN GROUPS IS UNFAIR, BECAUSE IT ISN'T EVERYONE.
I THINK IT'S BAD BECAUSE KIDS WANT TO PLAY WITH MORE THAN 4 OF THEIR FRIENDS.
THERE'S NOTHING FOR KIDS TO DO AROUND HERE, THERE'S NO FACILITIES FOR US TO USE, APART FROM THINGS RAN BY THE CHURCH WHICH WE DON'T WANT TO USE, THE PSPO IS UNFAIR FOR PEOPLE WHO AREN'T ANTI-SOCIAL.
THIS IS NOT FAIR, NOT ALL PEOPLE BEHAVE WRONG.
IT’S A BAD IDEA.
ITS BAD BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE PUT OFF MEETING WITH THEIR FRIENDS.
THIS WILL JUST MAKE PEOPLE MORE RESISTANT AND WANT TO DO IT MORE.
GOOD BECAUSE IT STOPS PEOPLE DOING THE BAD STUFF, BUT UNFAIR TO THOSE NOT DOING ANYTHING.
BAD!
GOOD WAY TO DEAL WITH IT, BUT WHY DOES IT HAVE TO APPLY TO ALL CHILDREN.
I GET THAT PEOPLE ARE UPSET, BUT WE ARE ADVISED TO WALK IN GROUPS JUST IN CASE.
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THIS WOULD HELP IF IT WAS ACTUALLY ENFORCED, AND TO THE RIGHT PEOPLE.
BAD PEOPLE WILL JUST DO IT MORE, YOU GIVE THEM ATTENTION.
GOOD, IF IT WORKS.
YOU SHOULDN’T DO THE PSPO.
UNFAIR.
I THINK THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE THIS LAW BECAUSE PEOPLE DON'T CAUSE TROUBLE ARE BEING PUNISHED, THEY SHOULD JUST FIND THE BAD PEOPLE.
I THINK IT'S WRONG BECAUSE I DON’T DO ANYTHING WRONG.
IT ISN'T THAT FAIR TO PEOPLE WHO DON’T DO ANYTHING AND CAN'T GO TO A PLACE BECAUSE OF IT.
KIDS ARE INNOCENT I THINK IT'S A GROUP OF TEENAGERS VANDALIZING BECAUSE THIS IS COMMON.
PEOPLE ARE BORED, NOW INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE MORE BORED BECAUSE WE DON’T WANT TO GO OUT.
I THINK ITS AN OK IDEA.
I THINK IT’S A BIG WASTE OF TIME, THE WHOLE LAW REVOLVES AROUND TECHNICALITIES, IT WONT BE ENFORCED… IT HASN'T BEEN ENFORCED, AND IT'S JUST A STUPID RULE WHICH WILL FIX NOTHING.
IT'S A GOOD IDEA AS THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE HANGING ABOUT FOR NO REASON.
PEOPLE WILL JUST GO TO OTHER VILLAGES AND DO THE SAME THING.
A GOOD IDEA, BUT I DON’T THINK EVERYONE IN THE VILLAGE SHOULD BE PUNISHED BECAUSE OF A FEW INDIVIDUALS.
STUPID IDEA, HASN’T WORKED, THEY STILL HANG AROUND IN GROUPS AND NOTHING HAPPENS.
YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD GO ROUND IN SMALLER GROUPS.
IT MIGHT HELP, BUT STILL MIGHT NOT WORK.
IT SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD IDEA, BUT THE TROUBLEMAKERS WILL JUST IGNORE THIS RULE LIKE THEY DO ALL THE OTHER RULES.
IT’S A GOOD IDEA.
ITS GOOD IF IT PREVENTS PEOPLE GETTING HURT OR BULLIED.
UNFAIR BECAUSE GROUPS OF TEENAGERS ARE FINE AND IF YOU WANT TO STOP ASB, DO IT WITHOUT PUNISHING EVERYONE.
IT’S A GOOD IDEA.
DOESN’T AFFECT ME.
NOT FAIR, NOT EVERYONE IS UP TO TROUBLE.
I DON’T AGREE WITH THIS AS IT CAN BE ADULTS ASWELL.
GOOD IF IT STOPS PEOPLE.
GOOD!
WHEN I HEAR ASB I THINK OF COUNTESTHORPE & THE AMMOUNT OF ASB HERE, IT HAPPENS BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE ARSEHOLES, THE PSPO IS A GOOD IDEA BUT THEY NEED TO ACTUALLY ENFORCE IT!
ITS ESSENTIAL, BUT YOU SHOULD SORT IT OUT IN ALL AREAS.
ITS BAD.
A JOKE!
I DON'T AGREE WITH THIS, WHY IS IT ONLY BEING ENFORCED ON YOUNG PEOPLE?
I THINK IT HAS BEEN OVER EXAGERATED AS THERE ARE NOT MANY CASES OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHVIOUR AT ALL.
NOT ALL PEOPLE IN GROUPS AGED 10-17 ARE BAD.
I THINK THIS IS GOOD BECAUSE OTHERWISE THEY WOULD PROBABLY FIGHT.
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THIS IS WRONG BECAUSE MANY PEOPLE DO NOTHING WRONG, THERE MUST BE ANOTHER WAY TO SORT ASB.
I THINK ALL PEOPLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO GATHER IN GROUPS.
YOU SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BE IN GROUPS.
I THINK ITS REALLY BAD, BECAUSE SAY YOUR GOING TO THE FOOTBALL WITH YOUR MATES, YOU CAN'T GO TOGETHER.
IF YOU HAVE NICE FRIENDS AND JUST WANT TO MEET WITH THEM, YOU'RE NOT DOING ASB.
I THINK SOME PEOPLE FIND IT FUNNY TO GET TOLD OFF.
IT’S A BUNCH OF RUBBISH.
THIS IS A GOOD IDEA.
THERE'S NOTHING AT ALL TO DO.
ITS STUPID, PEOPLE WHO AREN'T DOING ANYTHING WRONG CANT BE WITH THEIR MATES.
MANY ARE BEING PUNISHED BECAUSE OF THE MINORITY.
ITS NOT RIGHT.
GOOD IF IT CREATES A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
NOT FAIR.
THEY WILL STILL DO IT.
I DON’T THINK IT WILL WORK.
IT’S A GOOD THING BECAUSE IT STOPS THE PUBLIC BEING INTIMIDATED.
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Appendix 5 - Community Services PSPO Review
Evaluation of the Public Spaces Protection Order for Antisocial behaviour in
Countesthorpe
Background
The PSPO for Countesthorpe was introduced on 15th July 2016 with the following
terms:
In the restricted area, a young person between the ages of 10-17 commits an
offence, if without reasonable excuse he or she continues to carry out activities
which, by the order, are prohibited. Namely:
Congregating in groups of more than 4 people (except on parks and
recreation spaces that are not covered by the PSPO or for legitimate
purposes)
Behaving in a way that is likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress
Being in the possession of or consuming alcohol
Using, possessing or supplying any intoxicating substances including “legal
highs”
The decision had been taken in response to a large and persistent rise in ASB
reports to the Police and Council over the 9 months prior.
The PSPO was originally proposed for a period of 6 months with the purpose of:
Preventing the large groups gathering,
Tackling drug and alcohol use,
Protecting local residents from abuse and harassment
Promoting use of parks and recreation facilities
Promoting reporting of ASB
The terms of the PSPO mean that an offence is committed if a person asked to
disperse or cease their behaviour by an authorised person (police or council officer)
fails to do so. The consequence of this is a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100 or a
fine on conviction.
Widespread consultation with local residents was taken prior to the decision being
made. the consultation was available at shops and businesses in the area, online
and via door knocking exercises. 145 responses were received with 95% in favour
of the PSPO.
Resources
During the initial phase of the PSPO, the Police implemented Operation Faro which
saw an increase in police presence in the village at times when call volume was
expected to be higher.
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In addition, the Council’s ASB officer was regularly visible in the village as part of her
work and asked groups to disperse on more than one occasion.
Other action was also used to tackle ASB that was not related to the PSPO:
Closure Order – issued by the Police to prevent young people gathering at a
particular property where serious ASB had been occurring.
Acceptable Behaviour Contracts
Youth Offending Service interventions (including mentoring and positive
activities)
There have been other resources in place in the village which have been supporting
factors in the work of the PSPO:
Community facilities: BB19 bus, IMPACT, existing youth provision in the
village, boxing taster sessions, community fun day
Partnership working - Operation Faro (Police), ASB surgeries (police, BDC),
Strengthening Leicestershire Families, Youth Offending Services, Registered
Providers, community resilience building via partnerships team, community
leaders and ward councillors
Has the PSPO fulfilled its purpose?
The purpose of the PSPO was primarily to prevent large groups of young people
gathering and causing distress or harassment, particularly around the centre of the
village. The PSPO has had a positive impact on reducing reports of ASB involving
young people and has allowed specific individuals who are persistent perpetrators to
be identified and worked with in a targeted way.
Requests to disperse 30+
Interviews for breach of PSPO 8
Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) issued 0
Community Resolutions 6
Fig 1 – PSPO actions taken between 15th July and 31 October
Reports of large groups of youths gathering in Countesthorpe centre have reduced.
No shops or businesses have reported large groups gathering outside causing
problems since the order was introduced. The Police have been proactive in
dispersing groups of more than 5 young people during their regular patrols. Groups
have been compliant on all but one occasion. Anecdotally the number of reports of
drug and alcohol use, verbal abuse/intimidation/harassment from young people has
also significantly reduced over the period of the PSPO
Feedback from the police
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The PSPO has enabled Police and support services to identify young people who
are at risk of moving into more serious offending behaviour and offer support and
diversionary activities.
The core group of individuals responsible for the majority of calls about ASB prior to
the PSPO have all been targeted with supportive and punitive measures to tackle
behaviour.
The police have been able to use other interventions to tackle ASB not covered by
the PSPO. For example, a closure order on a private house and consideration of a
Criminal Behaviour Order for more serious behaviour.
2 key events have happened during the PSPO period – Halloween and Bonfire
Night. There were no reports of antisocial behaviour of any type on either occasion.
There has also been feedback from local social media on the noticeable difference
in behaviour in recent weeks.
The EPIC action plan (jointly with BDC) has been completed with all police actions
rated green.
Operation Faro is due to come to an end by the end of November 2016 and policing
levels in the village will return to pre PSPO levels. The decision to end Operation
Faro was taken by the Police following a review of ASB call volume and risk rating
the impact of removing the additional police resources that Countesthorpe has had.
Feedback from Ward Councillors
We have received feedback from one Ward Councillor who has stated that in his
opinion the PSPO has achieved its purpose and can be withdrawn at the end of 6
months.
Areas for Improvement
There is evidence that the standards of behaviour outlined in the PSPO have not
been fully adopted by some young people (in particular some of the young people
who are already known to services). When a group of young people wrongly thought
the PSPO had come to an end, the immediate response was to revert back to the
behaviour that originally triggered the PSPO. This is being dealt with as a breach of
the PSPO that requires enforcement and may result in the first Fixed Penalty Notices
being served.
The PSPO has benefitted from additional police and community resources through
the initial phase. Some of these additional resources may not continue and whilst
there is work being undertaken by partners to strengthen facilities and services for
young people, these are not likely to come on line for some time.
The PSPO wording says that the Council “shall” take formal action on all breaches of
the PSPO. This means that we are tied to issuing Fixed Penalty Notices where
actually a community resolution may be more appropriate and effective. For
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example out of the 7 young people being considered for formal action for breaching
the PSPO
1 is a persistent perpetrator of ASB and already on the legal stages of the
Incremental Approach
2 are well known to services and on the last non-legal stages of the
Incremental approach
1 other is known to services but not in the last 6 months and is not subject to
any current action
The remainder are not known to services.
The blanket application of a Fixed Penalty Notice may not be appropriate or
proportionate in all these cases.
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This document can be made available on request, in
other languages and formats (large print, Braille, or on
audio tape) by contacting
Scrutiny
Blaby District Council
Council Offices
Desford Road
Narborough
Leicester
LE19 2EP
Tel: 0116 272 7708
Fax: 0116 275 0368
Minicom: 0116 284 9768
Email: [email protected]
Published February 2017