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5 November 2009
Residents from a deprived housing estate once blighted by crime and anti-social behaviour, who took a stand against gangs ruining their lives, met Policing and Crime Minister David Hanson MP today.
Life on the Glebe Farm Estate has improved after residents, local businesses, the police and local authority joined forces to tackle troublemakers. After key people were identified and issued with anti-social behaviour orders, reports of anti-social behaviour on the estate to West Midlands Police (new window) fell by 62% in just one month between March and April 2008.
The award winning Glebe Farm Project has seen:
- increased police resources in the area
- the use of dispersal orders to break up gangs congregating at anti-social behaviour hotspots
- specialist youth workers directly intervening with known gang members and their families, offering support and guidance
- seven ASBOs to members of the 'Glebe Youth Posse' and the use of acceptable behaviour contracts tied in with notices to move parents of problem youths
- a support network for witnesses with those vulnerable to reprisals being moved to secret locations for a period of time
- establishing a neighbourhood management board to maintain a constant dialogue between residents, businesses and the authorities
- investment in the community centre
- an increased focus on drug diversionary activities and the appointment of a drug strategy manager.
Statement from the Met Policing and Crime Minister
David Hanson said, 'The majority of young people are decent and law-abiding and do not commit acts of anti-social behaviour or crime. However, where it does happen it drags down our neighbourhoods and ruins people’s lives. When communities do stand up and say ''enough is enough", when they present a united front against the bullies, they can and do win.
'The excellent work ongoing at the Glebe Farm Estate is an example of how a united community, with the support of the local authority and police, can make a big difference to their area. The dramatic drop in levels of reported incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area is a fantastic result.'
Statement from a shopkeeper in Glebe Farm
Stephen Brown said, 'Several successful ASBOs were granted against known trouble makers in the area and since then we have noticed a big difference. In particular, there has been a greater level of respect shown by other difficult youngsters and we have experienced no repercussions as a result of our involvement.
'The problems haven't disappeared entirely, but we have no hesitation in backing the ASBO programme as being extremely effective in reducing both crime and the exhausting low level everyday hassle of our lives.'
The Glebe Farm Project
The Glebe Farm Project began in April 2007. It won a 'Tilley Award (new window)' in June this year for work undertaken around the Glebe Farm and Hodge Hill Constituency to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.
Glebe Farm is a 'priority neighbourhood', meaning it is in the top five per cent most deprived in the country.
Today’s visit forms part of the not in my neighbourhood week (new window), highlighting the work that goes on across the country and throughout the year in communities to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.
The Home Secretary recently renewed his commitment to drive down antisocial behaviour through better support for victims and tough action on ASBO breaches.
He also made clear that where local authorities and the police are not responding to the needs of residents in tackling antisocial behaviour, they will be challenged and supported to help them drive up their performance.
Notes to editors
If you wish to interview a resident or youth worker from the Glebe Farm Estate please contact Lindsey Stubbins at the Birmingham Community Safety Partnership on 0121 3032160.
See further information on not in my neighbourhood week (new window).
See further information on the 'Tilley Awards (new window)'.
See further information on work the government is under taking to tackle anti-social behaviour (new window).
For further information please contact David Langton at the Home Office Press Office on 020 7035 3835
