Stoke-on-Trent City Council joined forces with Staffordshire Police and a wide range of local partners last week to carry out targeted activity in our town centres across the city.
The initiative is part of ongoing work that is making communities safer and more welcoming for residents and visitors.
The four Days of Action looked to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime as well as engaging with residents, providing reassurance and explaining the support available to people experiencing problems in their neighbourhoods.
Across the four days, results included:
- ASB Team and police delivered engagement events, including use of the mobile police station and community surgeries, giving residents the opportunity to raise concerns directly with officers, whilst providing education on how to report ASB related incidents.
- ASB Team and police responded to reports of anti-social behaviour, with joint visits carried out and proactive enforcement, including one arrest in Tunstall for theft and failing to appear at court.
- Teams visited rough sleeping encampments, with support provided to individuals before sites were cleared and cleaned.
- Follow-up visits to private rented properties, empty homes and properties subject to housing enforcement.
- Environmental clean-ups at locations including Corinth Way, Tower Square and Tunstall Memorial Gardens, alongside fly-tipping clearances in other parts of the city.
- Licensing checks on local businesses and parking enforcement activity.
Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for Safe and Resilient Communities and Housing, said:
“Our communities are strongest when residents feel connected, supported and confident in their neighbourhoods. Across the city, people, community groups, council services and partner organisations work together every day to create places where everyone can feel safe, welcome and able to thrive.
“We encourage residents to speak up when issues are affecting their quality of life, as early conversations and timely support can often help prevent concerns from escalating. At the same time, it is important to recognise that living in diverse communities means experiencing different ways of living, routines and ways of life. Taking time to understand these differences can help build stronger relationships between neighbours and foster mutual respect.
“Where concerns do need support or intervention, reporting them to the right organisation helps ensure that residents receive the most appropriate assistance and that agencies can work together effectively. By listening, supporting one another and drawing on the strengths within our communities, we can continue to build safe, resilient neighbourhoods where people feel connected and proud of where they live.”
Residents can find examples of anti-social behaviour, along with advice and guidance at https://www.stoke.gov.uk/ASB
Depending on the nature of the issue, residents should report concerns to the most appropriate organisation:
- Emergencies or crimes in progress – call the police on 999.
- Non-emergency criminal or serious anti-social behaviour – report to Staffordshire Police via 101 or online.
- Council-related ASB including environmental issues, persistent nuisance and community safety concerns – report through Stoke-on-Trent City Council's ASB reporting process using the dedicated ASB Report Form ; Telephone: 01782 234234; Or send details of the incident directly to the ASB team at asb@stoke.gov.uk
Issues involving council or housing association tenants – contact the relevant housing provider, which has powers to investigate tenancy-related anti-social behaviour.
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