Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire Police and partner agencies have renewed their commitment to supporting victims of anti-social behaviour (ASB) by signing the ASB Help Pledge.
The pledge sets out how organisations will work together to make sure reports of anti-social behaviour are taken seriously, acted on quickly and followed through.
It brings together partners including the city council, Staffordshire Police, the NHS and registered social housing providers to improve responses and strengthen support for victims across the city.
Councillor Duncan Walker, Cabinet Member for Safer and Resilient Communities at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Anti-social behaviour can have a real and lasting impact on people’s lives. This pledge makes it clear that concerns will be listened to and acted on.
“Residents are not alone - their concerns will be listened to and there are clear routes to report issues, access support and request a case review if problems persist.”
Chief Inspector Laura Davies, force lead for anti-social behaviour (ASB), said: “We are committed to tackling ASB and by signing the pledge today, we have committed to ensuring best practice is embedded in all ASB cases.
“Alongside local partners such as ASB Help, we will support and give a voice to any victim of ASB.
“We do not underestimate the effects that ASB has on local communities, and I would encourage any victims to report issues to us, either by calling 101 or using Live Chat on our website.”
Residents experiencing ASB are encouraged to report it as soon as possible so agencies can assess the situation and take appropriate action.
- Online: www.stoke.gov.uk/ASB
- Telephone: Customer Access on 01782 234234
- Email: asb@stoke.gov.uk
Examples of ASB can include persistent loud noise such as music or parties, intimidation, verbal abuse or threats, vandalism or damage to property, misuse of alcohol in public places, graffiti, harassment or hate-related incidents.
If a resident has reported ASB and is not satisfied with how it has been handled, they have the right to request an ASB Case Review, previously known as the Community Trigger.
This brings together the council, police, NHS partners and housing providers to review how a case has been managed and agree further action.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime Ben Adams added: “My office has worked closely with partners to achieve the standard required for the ASB Help Pledge.
“It demonstrates the positive work being done across Staffordshire to show our commitment to supporting victims of anti-social behaviour. The ASB Case Review process can be invaluable in giving victims a voice and helping them seek support to address issues that can be harmful to individuals, businesses and our wider communities.”
Victims, or someone acting on their behalf, such as a family member, councillor or MP, can request a review and may be invited to attend a meeting to explain how the ASB has affected them.
Applications can be made online via Staffordshire Police at: www.staffordshire.police.uk/information-services/community-trigger
Alternatively, applications can be made by contacting:
Longton or Hanley (in writing) or Central Disclosure Unit, Staffordshire Police HQ, Weston Road, Stafford, ST18 0YY.
- More articles in the news archive
- Stoke-on-Trent news RSS feed