Minutes of Training Session for Neighbourhood Watch

Held in Civic Centre Council Chambers at 19h30 on 30 January 2006

1.      The meeting was attended by members of local Neighbourhood Watch groups.  Welcome and introductions were made by Mick Holland, Southend Neighbourhood Watch Administrator.

2.      Anita McGinley, from the Southend Multi-Agency Anti-Social Behaviour Response Team (SMAART@southend.gov.uk), based in Westcliff Police Station, made the following points:

·                  The SMAART has a range of tools available to try and prevent the escalation  of anti-social behaviour (ASB)

·                  There is a single national telephone line (0845605 2222) for the country to assist the reporting of instances of ASB

·                  Action against ASB can be taken if detailed evidence is available; this could be in the form of a diary pack, obtainable from the SMAART

·                  The SMAART can arrange transportation, child care and support for witnesses, including attendance at court

·                  In extreme circumstances, an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) could be sought; however, mediation or Acceptable Behaviour Contracts involving all the parties concerned is preferred

3.      Ian Elkins, Senior Crown Prosecutor – ASB Specialist (ian.elkins@cps.gsi.gov.uk) gave a detailed presentation on ASBOs, and provided a handout.  The main points were:

·                  The definition of ASB is “acting in a manner that may cause harassment, alarm or distress to another person”

·                  The legal framework and different types of ASBO

·                  How to obtain an ASBO, including the grounds, direct evidence and witness statements; it is necessary to prove that the act was anti-social, the identity of the person, and that he was the person committing the act

·                  Apart from the use of ASBOs, there are a number of other strategies that can be adopted to reduce anti-social behaviour, including the dispersal of groups, closure orders or seizure of vehicles by the police.  In addition, Councils are able to issue Noise Abatement Notices or injunctions

·                  The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act of 2005 (not yet in force) has provisions to deal with various aspects of ASB, including nuisance vehicles, litter and dogs not under control.  The Home Office website (www.together.gov.uk) provides more details on aspects of ASB; Ian Elkin’s presentation is also attached for information

4.      Question and Answer Session with Steve Bright (DI retired), Anita McGinley and Ian Elkin

·                  38 ASBOs have been issued in Southend

·                  In 2004/5, the Council cleaned 17.1 miles of graffiti

·                  Southend Council has a database of graffiti tags; the SMAART is able to assist in matching instances of graffiti to known offenders.  Photographs of graffiti should be sent to the SMAART

·                  Two cameras are available from the Council to monitor ASB; there is a very high demand for these, which will be used on a priority basis.

Marina Wright (Co-ordinator of Kilworth Neighbourhood Watch)