Customer Services
New anti social behaviour officers to support communities
We have hired new staff to work in our anti social behaviour (ASB) team in a bid to strengthen our relationship with residents so they feel confident to seek help if they encounter issues involving drugs, violence, or serious neighbour disputes including harassment.
New ASB team members Tracey Field and Becky Rousell will be working to support residents who are victims of ASB or perpetrators who need to address their actions.
Steve Kensington, South Anglia Housing’s anti social behaviour manager, said he believed no residents should suffer because of other people’s behaviour and his team would aim to prevent issues by looking at the root causes of ASB to find ways to prevent or tackle it at the earliest possible opportunity.
He said: “We brought Tracey and Becky on board because our residents said they wanted us to do more to prevent ASB and now with a larger team in place we can reach out to communities in and speak to more people to find out how we can make a real difference to their lives.
“ASB can be distressing for both victims and witnesses. We want our residents to know that if they are experiencing anti social behaviour there are many ways we can help them feel safer in their homes and communities.”
South Anglia Housing uses many methods to tackle ASB including mediation, home security improvements and partnership work with organisations who deal with issues including social care and mental health.
Legal action such as injunctions and occasionally ASBOs are also used to resolve difficult cases.
While the team will focus its efforts on reducing the impact of ASB on victims, it will also help perpetrators by recommending help for issues such as drug and alcohol addiction.
Mr Kensington added: “In the last year we solved 80% of ASB cases reported to us after just one meeting with perpetrators. Our message to residents is, if you are suffering please get in touch and we will be considerate and sensitive to all involved while we work to resolve your issue and make your neighbourhood a nicer place for both you and the rest of the community to live in.”
ASB can be reported by a victim, witness or person on behalf of the victim. If you are a South Anglia resident, or a member of the wider community wishing to report an ASB issue involving one of its residents, you can speak to the housing association’s local neighbourhood officer in the first instance, call customer services on 0856 600 1543 or email Southanglia.info@circle.org.uk. In emergency cases involving violence or threats of violence people should always contact the police.
For further information please contact Clare-Marie Dobing at the Circle press office on 0845 234 0824 or email pressoffice@circle.org.uk
South Anglia energy-saving tips
Take a look at our energy saving videos. Lower your bills and help save the environment.
