Portland

ASB (Anti-Social Behaviour)

Location:
Easton Gardens, Portland

Issue:
Reports of ASB have been made by residents in this local area - nuisance behaviour, loud noise.

Planned action to tackle this issue:
- Talk to local residents to understand the extent of the problem.
- Problem solve with local partners.

June update:
- The warmer weather has increased visitors to the area; mostly using the park for its intended purpose. However, we are investigating two reports of damage to the seesaw and park benches. We have identified those believed to be responsible and they are currently assisting with our investigation
- Targeted patrols will continue throughout the summer period

May update:
- As the warmer weather arrives we continue to carry out directed patrols around the area of Easton Gardens
- In April there have been no reports of ASB
- Following reports of drug dealing near to Easton Gardens, a man was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply. Our enquiries are ongoing into this incident and we thank the public for reporting issues that they see to us
- In April we also attended a public meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner and local MP. This was an opportunity for members of the public to raise their concerns with us, the PCC and MP and for us to update on the actions we have taken and continue to take to keep the community safe

April update:
This issue remains a local priority for the team and we will continue to focus our efforts in the area by targeting our patrols, providing reassurance to the local community. This months action update:
- Patrols continue in the area at key times
- Engagement with residents and businesses
- Only one reported instance of ASB in March

March update:
- Residents in the area have been visited and engaged with to establish the times and days that issues are occurring as well as identifying those who are responsible for causing the ASB.
- Support has been offered to those affected, including signposting to Victim Support, Dorset Council Community Safety Team, Housing and Adult Social Care.
- Young people visited by police and spoken to with parents, to make them aware of the impact of their actions on the wider community. The Consequences Scheme has been explained as well as clear explanation on the consequences should the ASB continue.
- Targeted patrols and work in partnership with Dorset Council, Portland Town Council continues.
- In February there were two reports of ASB in the area around Easton Gardens and none to date in March.

February update:
- Clarified where this is happening and when with residents.
- Increased patrols at key times.
- Visited and supported affected residents - crime prevention advice offered.
- Held professional meetings with partners to discuss multi-agency response.
- Briefed local response team so they are aware of the issue.
- Sought evidence of who is responsible - looking for CCTV opportunities in local area.
- Visits to follow to parents.

Knife Crime

Location:
Portland

Issue:
Op Guardian is our operational response to knife crime - particularly children that carry knives in our community

Planned action to tackle this issue:
- We will identify those most likely to carry knifes within our community
- We will work with partner agencies such as Child Social Care and Youth Justice Service to engage those identified
- We will support these individuals to change their behaviour
- We will be robust if they are found to be carrying a knife
- We will identify the places and space where knife crime is most likely

June update:
- Visits have continued to those identified as habitual knife carriers to ensure barriers are broken down between young people and the police, allowing for honest discussions to be had around personal safety
- A FAKE (Firearms and Knife Education) input was delivered at the Atlantic Academy to educate young people around the risks of carrying weapons and to highlight the associated risks
- Partnership working will also continue to ensure that young people are supported and diverted away from carrying weapons. Robust action will be taken if any person is found in possession of a weapon

May update:
- We continue to engage with those people identified as being habitual knife carriers on a regular basis
- We work with parents and partner agencies to understand the reasons why people feel that they need to carry weapons, and to educate and deescalate the risks to those young people
- There is regular multi-agency work to ensure that the correct agencies are involved to allow positive relationships to be built and to support an divert young people away from carrying weapons