Nine new CCTV cameras have been installed as part of a week of action to combat crime and antisocial behaviour on a Middlesbrough estate.
It’s hoped the cameras will be another tool to help reduce the number of incidents reported around Vaughan Shops in Netherfields.
Partners including Cleveland Police, Middlesbrough Council and housing provider Thirteen have been working hard in the area in recent months to address public concerns and engaged with young people at the shopping parade and at local schools last week.
Offenders were issued with enforcement notices including 11 Antisocial Behaviour Contracts (ABCs), while previously the parents of trouble-causing youths were visited and warned that continued bad behaviour could lead to more serious consequences, including eviction.
Local pizza shops have now agreed not to serve anyone under the age of 18 without an adult present which has been clearly displayed in relevant shops, and a property marking event was held which proved successful with good attendance.
A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: “Crime and antisocial behaviour can blight whole neighbourhoods, but this week of action is a great example of what can be achieved through close working with our partners and the local community.
“We will continue to use all powers at our disposal to resolve these issues and urge members of the public and businesses to report problems to us so they can be dealt with quickly and effectively.”
Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector, Chris Hartshorne, said: “We have been responding to reports of increased crime and antisocial behaviour in the Netherfields area alongside our partners for a number of weeks now, and we are starting to see the number of incidents coming down.
“Whilst the number of incidents means less victims and this is what we all want, we are not complacent and following the week of action our work will continue alongside partners to ensure that residents can live in the area without fear or worry.
“Over the last week there has been lots of engagement carried out at Vaughan Shops with residents and schools, we have linked in with 130 school children and the council have secured nine new 24/7 CCTV cameras covering the area. These cameras should act as not only a visual deterrent, but they can also help us gather evidence to help with prosecutions in the event of any further incidents.”
Thirteen antisocial behaviour resolution lead, Luke Metcalfe, said: “We want our customers to feel safe in their homes, so following the week of action, we hope that the local community in Netherfields feels reassured, as we are taking action and progressing with tenancy enforcement where it’s necessary.
“We’ll continue to work closely with partner agencies to tackle reports of antisocial behaviour, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our customers.”