Sunderland City Council clamps down on anti-social behaviour

A special programme of activity designed to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) kicked off in Sunderland on Monday, June 29, as the city marks Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week.

Council community safety officers from the city's Community Safety Hubs will be out all week meeting with residents about their concerns, speaking to children in schools and youth clubs and carrying out high visibility patrols in areas that have been identified as ASB hotspots.

ASB can include threatening behaviour and other public nuisances such as rowdy behaviour, public drunkenness and noisy neighbours, as well as environmental crimes such as littering and fly-tipping, graffiti and vandalism.

During ASB Awareness week, which lasts until Sunday, July 5, officers will focus on specific concerns that residents have raised to the council.

Councillor Bill Blackett, Sunderland City Council’s cabinet member for environment, transport and enforcement, said: "The theme of this year’s ASB Awareness week is Making Communities Safer.

"We know that tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority for our residents and it is something we take very seriously.

"Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhood and no one should have to tolerate behaviour that affects their quality of life.”

Residents are also getting involved in reducing ASB in their communities.

Children from Easington Lane, Shiney Row and Eppleton primary schools have designed bag dispensers to be installed in Elemore Country Park, in Hetton-le-Hole, as part of an effort to reduce dog fouling in the park.

Cllr Blackett continued: "Throughout this week, we’ll be delivering a range of activity across our communities. This includes work in schools to educate young people, community clean-up events to improve local environments and days of action alongside Northumbria Police to tackle issues such as motorcycle disorder.

"We’ll also be carrying out increased patrols, as well as engaging directly with residents and local businesses to listen to concerns and provide support where it’s needed most.

"But we can’t do this alone.

"We encourage residents to report any anti-social behaviour they witness.

"Your information helps us take action and make a real difference.

"By working together, we can build stronger, safer communities for everyone."