Wirral Partnership Homes, in partnership with Merseyside Police, worked in the community during the Home Office Initiative, ‘Not in my Neighbourhood Week’, which began on November 2nd 2009.
The joint initiative involved intensive work aimed at tackling crime and anti-social behaviour on the Peel Estate in Tranmere and in Noctorum.
Peeling Back the Peel Estate
WPH worked with Merseyside Police on a Crime and Satisfaction Audit which was organised by staff from WPH Enforcement Team and Julie Bennett and Ged Vernon from Merseyside Police.
The audit found perceptions of ASB were influenced by the general appearance of an area, and these views were reinforced by high levels of graffiti and litter. Reassuringly, residents had confidence in the police and the ability of WPH to deal with these issues. This was due to increased visibility in known ‘hot spot’ locations.
Whilst carrying out the survey, a serious hate crime was brought to light and as a result of the information arising out of the audit, the perpetrator was arrested and cautioned.
Julie Bennett said, “We at Merseyside Police have really embraced working closely with our partners at Wirral Partnership Homes. Our work will continue to address the perceptions of ASB and apply the tools available to Merseyside Police and our partners.” She added, “In circumstances where crime and ASB are apparent, we believe that working with our partners enables us to bring real relief to those suffering.”
“The initiative goes on well beyond the ‘Not in My Neighbourhood Week’”, Inspector Lucan-Pratt said. “Our efforts with WPH in encouraging people to take responsibility will continue well into the future”.
Work continues with late night patrols by police and WPH, targeting those areas identified as being subject to ASB. Clare Moore said, “It is all about facing ASB head on and applying the tools made available to us by the Home Office to act swiftly on behalf of the community. WPH will not hesitate in applying all the tools at our disposal”.
Knocking the Noctorum
Working with Merseyside Police, this initiative involved visiting known residents who were advised of their obligations to take greater responsibility for the acts of those living with them or visiting their property. Sam Brown (WPH Tenancy Enforcement Officer) said, “This has been a great success. We have delivered the message and customers understand that the services we offer to tackle ASB are proactive and ongoing.” Tim Sproston (Merseyside Police) added, “Those intent on causing distress in our communities need to understand that we will not tolerate ASB or nuisance.”
The operation was the first time WPH and Merseyside Police had carried out joint visits to WPH properties in the area. David Lingard (WPH ASB and Enforcement manager) said, “A robust message was delivered with ongoing monitoring backed by Challenge and Support initiatives. Already police and WPH have noticed a decrease in reports of ASB, with evidence that parents are taking responsibility.”
The week of action sent a clear message that ‘Not in my Neighbourhood’ would be a rolling initiative. Clare Moore, WPH Tenancy Enforcement Team Leader, said, “For the first time customers and perpetrators are getting the simple message that we will not tolerate ASB. David Lingard added, “It is not rocket science. It is about promoting responsibilities and bringing back the ‘good neighbour’ principle.”
To celebrate the start of ‘Not in Our Neighbourhood’, Sam Brown and the local community organised a Halloween Disco, which was a huge success. The week ended with a special bonfire, which was supported by our partners at Ridgeway High School where head teacher, Pauline Roberts said, “The simple fact is that we, as a school and key partner of WPH and Merseyside Police, actively promote pro-social behaviour.” She added, “The bonfire was a massive success. The school and its students got behind the initiative and worked with the community in taking responsibility for the organisation of the event.”
Category: General