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• 2008
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• June
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• Asbo unit a year on

The Anti-Social Behaviour Unit in Knowsley has seen some significant successes since it was launched last year on 12 June.

The Unit was set up to help local residents and businesses feel safer and promote respect within our neighbourhoods.

The specialist Unit consists of staff from Merseyside Police and Knowsley Council and offers a range of services including advice, support, enforcement, parenting support and the drug intervention programme.

In addition, the Unit introduced a dedicated telephone number (0151 443 2000) making it easier for people to report anti-social behaviour issues in their area. Members of the public can speak to dedicated Anti-Social Behaviour Officers in complete confidence and receive invaluable help and support. The Unit has received over a thousand calls in the last year.

Utilising a joint agency approach to solving community issues, the Unit has targeted individuals who are prolific in committing anti-social behaviour, bringing them to justice and providing the highest possible care for victims and witnesses of this crime in Knowsley.

During the last year, the Unit has successfully secured 30 Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and 15 Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. The Orders restrict people from carrying out certain acts of anti-social behaviour including drinking alcohol in a public place. Many of the orders contain conditions preventing individuals entering defined areas within the borough or associating with certain individuals.

In addition, 27 Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) have been issued. ABCs are voluntary 'good will' agreements made between people involved in anti-social behaviour and relevant agencies. These are put in place for a minimum of six months and are tailored to the individual. When an ABC is agreed, it is understood, between all parties, that the continuation of unacceptable behaviour may lead to an application for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO).

The Unit’s Parenting Team has been instrumental in providing improved support for families and improved services for parents. The Team has received 109 referrals, which has resulted in 76 parents attending support programmes. Such programmes have helped to support parents in building positive relationships between with their children and improving communication skills. This early intervention has prevented problem behaviour escalating. A ‘celebrating parents events’ is planned mid July, which recognises a variety of parenting successes, sharing best practice and promoting future developments.

Councillor Jackie Harris, Cabinet member for Community Safety and Social Inclusion explained “Anti-social behaviour can have a detrimental affect on our communities and is the main priority issue for local residents and businesses. The Unit has made a significant impact to address these concerns and has helped to achieve an 18% reduction in anti-social behaviour incidents over the last 12 months. We are not complacent and we will continue to build on these successes in order to reduce anti-social behaviour in Knowsley. If you are suffering from anti-social behaviour, don’t suffer in silence. Help and support is available by calling the Unit on 0151 443 2000.”

For more information, contact Karen Webster, Safer Knowsley Partnership, on 0151 443 3668