Sevenoaks residents urged to report anti-social behaviour » Local Government » 24dash.com

Residents are being reminded of the important role they play in keeping anti-social behaviour to a minimum in the District.

Sevenoaks District Community Safety Partnership is asking residents to advise the District Council, police or housing associations of any problems they may be experiencing, so they can be active in ensuring the District remains a safe place to live.

One of the most effective ways of tackling anti-social behaviour is when communities come together and work with local agencies, for instance talking to neighbours to see if they are experiencing similar problems.

Any information supplied will be shared with other agencies in the Partnership so it can be reviewed and the most appropriate action to take can be established. Personal information is treated in confidence, unless permission is given to share it.

There are a number of ways of dealing with anti-social behaviour, whether it be preventative measures, intervention and, if necessary, enforcement. Options available to the Partnership include:

• Asking residents to complete log sheets to keep a record of anti-social behaviour
• Contacting the local Police Community Support Officer or KCC Warden to investigate further
• Improving the physical environment, lighting and fencing for instance
• Contacting youth workers in the area to see what activities are available for young people
• In more extreme cases referring identified individuals to the Anti-Social Behaviour Task Group which can share and monitor information about the behaviour, and take appropriate action. This could include issuing a warning letter or setting up an Acceptable Behaviour Agreement. In the most serious cases, with six months of evidence, the Partnership can apply to the courts for an ASBO

Robin Hales, Chairman of the Sevenoaks District Community Safety Partnership, says: "Our residents play a vital role in helping the Community Safety Partnership identify and tackle problems that may be affecting their local communities.

"The District is a safe place to live, but we must not rest on our laurels and must continue to work with our partners and our residents to ensure it remains that way."

The Sevenoaks District Community Safety Partnership brings together all of the agencies who can have an effect on reducing crime and the fear of crime.

It includes representatives from Kent Police, Sevenoaks District Council, Kent County Council, Kent Probation Service, Youth Offending Service, local health providers, housing associations, the voluntary sector and Kent Fire & Rescue Service.

To help the Community Safety Partnership continue to tackle any issues of anti-social behaviour report it to the District Council by calling 01732 227000, or if you are a tenant contact your housing association.

For more information on the work of the Partnership visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/communitysafety