More than 2,000 antisocial behaviour incidents in Dudley

More than 2,000 incidents were reported across the Dudley borough between April and December last year.

The figures were revealed in a Dudley Council review of antisocial behaviour services.

More than 200 extra incidents of antisocial behaviour were reported both in the first quarter of the year, between April and June 2016, and the second quarter between July and September 2016, when compared to the same months during the previous year.

In total, between April and December 2016, there was a total of 2,201 incidents of antisocial behaviour reported to the council's dedicated response team.

The report also detailed the action taken against the culprits of antisocial behaviour, with warning letters issued in 219 cases, and 133 referred to agencies such as the police between April 2016 and February this year.

Four became subject to covert surveillance in a bid to tackle the problems, but only one incident of antisocial behaviour saw an eviction notice obtained.

Examples of antisocial behaviour reported to Dudley Council included noise and vehicle nuisance, drug issues, rowdy behaviour, intimidation, harassment and the threat or use of violence, criminal damage, vandalism and littering.

The report presented to Dudley Council's overview and scrutiny management board yesterday (Tuesday), also noted how new powers introduced with the Crime & Policing Act 2014, had helped to tackle antisocial behaviour.

One of these was the creation of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), which the council implemented for the first time in Netherton around the Bowling Green area back in January 2016, lasting three years.

The order prohibits the dealing and use of drugs, legal highs and alcohol in the area, the congregation of large groups of people that could be interpreted as intimidating and the use of motorised vehicles on the grass and park area.

Councils must prove that there has been a continued negative impact on the quality of life for those in a given area in order to impose a PSPO.

A breach can result in a £100 fixed penalty fine. More serious offences can lead to prosecution and/or a fine of up to £1,000.

A second PSPO was also introduced in the car park at the Rye Market Shopping Centre in Stourbridge, and the council report states: "Both were implemented in January 2016 and have been successful in reducing ASB."

Councillor Bryan Cotterill, whose ward includes the Bowling Green area of Netherton, said: "I wouldn't say that the orders have got rid of all of the antisocial behaviour, but it has got rid of a lot of it.

"We used to have cars speeding and drinking in the streets. But it has greatly improved.

"Unless I hear anything different from tenants and residents at our next meeting, I'm pleased with how it's going."