Wirral's independent local news website
Information from local residents about anti-social behaviour that affects their community will be key to tackling the problem, after a week of action across Wirral.
Between 18-24 July, Wirral’s anti-social behaviour (ASB) team carried out a series of community action days, speaking to residents about issues affecting their area.
Following a successful first year, 18-24 July has been nationally identified as a week to shine a spotlight on anti-social behaviour, to encourage communities to take a stand against ASB and highlight the actions that can be taken by those experiencing it.
Officers from Wirral Council, Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire & Rescue, and 13 other local partners knocked on the doors of communities across the borough to speak to residents directly and hear about issues in the neighbourhood.
The information will be used by the team of partners to target resources effectively, for example by stepping up patrols in areas where anti-social behaviour is common or removing graffiti.
Despite the extreme hot weather early in the week, Wirral’s ASB Team managed hundreds of engagements, including:
The locations which were chosen for the week were picked due to intelligence-led data showing there had been anti-social behaviour in the area. The locations visited were:
Cllr Helen Cameron, Chair of the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee, said, “While overall crime has reduced since 2020, anti-social behaviour has seen increased in some areas.
“The council continues to work closely with Police, Housing Associations, charities, community groups and sports clubs and during ASB week we also took part in the multi-agency Operation Staysafe, which targeted people involved in risk-taking behaviour.
“We know how much anti-social behaviour can negatively impact residents’ lives and the cumulative effect of multiple incidents can be debilitating.
“Tackling ASB remains a key priority of Wirral’s Community Safety Strategy, with plans to not only prevent crime and ASB with appropriate enforcement, but to also work to understand root causes within our communities.”
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell, added, “Anti-social behaviour can have a hugely damaging effect for victims, particularly those who are repeatedly and persistently targeted.
“Tackling and preventing ASB is one of my priorities, so I welcome all the fantastic multi-agency initiatives planned by Merseyside Police, Wirral Council and all our partners during ASB Awareness Week and beyond.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live. I hope last week will highlight some of the great work which is going on across the region day in day out to improve the safety of our neighbourhoods, helping people to feel safer and happier in their communities.”
If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour you can report it Wirral Council at www.wirral.gov.uk/asb or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Image: Cllr. Helen Cameron (second from right) with partners in Woodchurch
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