4.3 Residents were then asked if there were any other comments they wished to make regarding the contents of the previously mentioned questionnaires.
4.4 Telephone calls were made to consett police station, about finding out statistics about anti social behaviour.
4.5 Links to specific statistics were received from pc Dave turner in regards to reported anti social behaviour in the local area.
4.6 Photographic evidence was taken (see appendix 3).
5 Findings
5.1 The findings of the first questionnaire carried out by the local residents were collated and represented in a graph (See figure 1.1). This shows the rise and fall of reported anti-social behaviour in general over the last year.
Figure 1.1
Anti social behaviour includes:
- Rowdy and intimidating groups
- Antisocial drinking
- Drug misuse
- Intimidation
- Harassment
- Noise nuisance
- Rowdy behaviour such as swearing and fighting
- Waste dumping
- Vehicle-related problems
- Graffiti
- Fly-tipping
- Littering
- Dog fouling
- Vandalism
- Abandoned vehicles
- Criminal damage
- Excessive noise
5.2.1 The results of the second questionnaires were collated and then transferred into a chart (see figure 2.2)
Figure 2.2
5.2.2 Of the 75 residents who completed the questionnaires 13% had experienced rowdy and intimidation.
5.2.3 23% of residents had experienced others anti social drinking.
5.2.4 2% of residents had been harassed.
5.2.5 6% of residents have experienced problems of waste dumping.
5.2.6 13% of residents have problems with graffiti.
5.2.7 46% of residents are concerned with the amount of vandalism.
5.2.8 23% of residents are concerned with the amount of dog excrement on public. Footpaths
5.2.9 13% of residents are concerned over the amount of littering.
5.2.10 12% of residents has experienced problems with excessive noise.
5.2.11 38% of residents has experienced criminal damage.
5.3 Residents were then asked what they thought could be done to prevent anti-social behaviour in the area.
5.3.1 Residents suggested that a group similar to SNAPS (Safe Neighbourhoods Action and Problem Solving, which is based in Newcastle) could be organised.
5.3.2 Residents suggested that extra CCTV could be placed around the area, as this would be very benefit the community.
5.3.3 Residents suggested having more police officers walking in the affected areas would act as a deterrent.
5.3.4 Residents suggested that more litter/dog-waste bins should be placed around the offending areas.
5.3.2 Residents suggested that a youth club could possibly be set up in the local village hall and try to get some of the older children involved by organising activities and volunteering there.
5.4 Throughout the telephone conversation with PC Dave Turner, it was reported that there were not many reports put forward to the police about the anti social behaviour, which is occurring throughout the area of Blackhill. Possible solutions/suggestions were then discussed with PC Turner e.g. the placement of CCTV and where they could possibly go, the number of police officers walking around the local area and how often this would happen.
6 Conclusion
- The photographic evidence (see appendix 3) clearly shows the problems the residents are facing.
- From the information collected, the majority of residents were concerned with the amount of vandalism, which is occurring in the area and there is more criminal damage than any other form of anti social behaviour.
- PC Dave Turner has also commented that this is vital to the community to have this behaviour stopped.
7 Recommendations
Based on the conclusions set out in this report it is clear anti social behaviour has grew worse in the area of Blackhill and the community needs more support in tackling this issue.
7.1 Anti social behaviour is costing the local authority thousands of pounds each year, therefore it will cost efficient to place CCTV cameras around the main areas where the most anti social behaviour is occurring. This will not only act as a deterrent but also make residents feel safe in their neighbourhood.
7.2 It is also recommended that new waste bins for litter and dog excrement be placed around the local area along with signs warning of the fines which could be incurred to encourage the public to clean up after themselves.
7.3 Residents suggested that a youth club could be organised for the younger members of the community to participate in or volunteer. A member of the public has volunteered to research areas where this could be appropriate and to find out the costs involved for this, which will be reported back to the appropriate people at a later date.
7.4 It is also recommended that there could be more police officers walking around in the area, which would add as a deterrent to possible perpetrators.