Teenage gang terrorises residents on Walsall estate
Terrified residents are being forced out of a Walsall estate and pensioners are living in fear of a gang of youths, it has been claimed.
Drug taking, assault, arson, criminal damage and verbal abuse are amongst the issues Beechdale ward councillors Lee Jeavons and Tina Jukes say some residents have been subjected to in the past few months.
And they now fear some residents will take matters into their own hands because of a perceived lack of police presence or response from the authorities.
They also said a public spaces protection order (PSPO) brought in to combat such issues “isn’t worth the paper it is written on” because it wasn’t being enforced.
Both Walsall Police and community protection bosses at the council have assured residents they will act to tackle issues and urged them to report crimes.
In the latest incident, a 13-year-old lad was treated in hospital on Sunday, October 4, after being smacked in the face by three other boys, prompting a police investigation.
It is believed there are up to 18 in the group of youths, aged in their mid to late teens, causing trouble across the estate.
A resident who did not want to be named said: “Around Bloxwich Lane, we’ve had nothing but problems from youths all summer and now into the autumn and it seems to be getting worse and worse.
“They seem to be smoking wacky baccy and we have not seen any police. Something has got to be done. We are exasperated. The elderly are frightened.”
Councillor Jukes said: “This PSPO is not worth the paper it is written on. I’ve asked community protection why we bothered getting it because nothing is happening.
“I am honorary president of the Over-60s club and the abuse they were getting from these kids as they left was disgraceful.
“I can sympathise with residents. They shouldn’t have to live like this. Some people have moved off the estate after being here for so long because they could not live like this anymore.”
Councillor Jeavons said: “We understand residents frustrations because we are frustrated as well.
“We’ve put all the complaints in to the council and the police but things don’t seem to be getting any better.
“A youth being assaulted is a step up in what they are doing. I had a message saying residents are actively considering taking things into their own hands.
“So that is serious and I certainly don’t condone that. I can understand the frustration but I would urge residents not to do that.
“I would join in the call for increased call for increased policing in the area.”
Inspector Tony Eustace, from Walsall police, said work was being done to tackle the issues.
He said: “We were called about an assault on Sunday evening (4 October), where a 13-year-old boy was hit in the face.
“The boy was assaulted outside his home in Crompton Close, Beechdale, Walsall at around 7pm by a group of three boys who we believe are known to him.
“He was taken to hospital for treatment. An investigation is underway.
“I have a dedicated team responsible for policing in the area, who are committed to working with partners and the local community to address issues and concerns.
“The public spaces protection order is an extra weapon in our armoury, but our ultimate aim to change people’s behaviour and create a better place for law-abiding residents.
“Some of this is longer-term work which seeks to get to the root of problems, better understand them, and find ways we can work with residents and partners to make the area a better place.
“Anti-social behaviour is damaging within our communities, I recognise the impact it can have on people’s daily lives. We continue to work with our partners to identify the most appropriate response to breaches of the order.”
Councillor Garry Perry, portfolio holder for community, added: “Community Protection has received reports of anti-social behaviour on Beechdale, but these remain relatively low in number.
“Enforcement officers in partnership with police have previously patrolled the area to enforce the PSPO in place.
“During this time no issues were identified, or breaches of the order observed and officers were moved to focus on and patrol other locations that were subject to ASB.
“If the team is made aware that there is an increase of ASB in the area, the number of patrols will again be increased and officers are now liaising with police locally to look specifically at this and to plan patrols at appropriate times of the day.
“Council officers will work with the police and its wider partners to tackle ASB in the area.
“The PSPO was put in place to tackle ASB on the estate and the council is committed to working with its partners to make sure that the estate does not suffer from ASB and remains a safe place to live, work and visit.
“We encourage residents to report issues to WM Police and the council as appropriate.”
