The Team Approach

The need to improve services to tackle anti-social behaviour was reflected in the responses to the 2004 Crime Audit findings which have informed the priorities set in the Mid Beds Crime, Drugs and Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction Strategy 2005-2008.  Improving local environmental quality through the tackling of litter, graffiti and abandoned vehicles is also identified as a priority within the Mid Beds Community Plan and the Bedfordshire Police Local Policing Plan.

From April 2006 the Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction Co-ordination and his Police counterpart will be hosted by the Council to work alongside Council officers who are at the forefront of the investigation of many of the environmental crimes which are considered to fall within the definition of anti-social behaviour.  This new approach will help to provide a comprehensive and co-ordinated service to reduce crime and disorder and the fear of crime in Mid Beds.

The team approach that will be created will comprise of Environmental Health Officers, Youth and Community Safety Officers and other Council Officers who have expertise in anti-social behaviour legislation, the investigation of fly tipping, littering, dog offences, noise nuisance and other related issues.  The Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction Co-ordinator also has close working links with other agencies in Mid Beds such as a Registered Social Landlords, Social Services, Education, Probation and the Youth Offending Team.

In some circumstances anti-social behaviour can be tackled by providing diversionary activities, or by considering the nature of the local environment and reducing the opportunity for anti-social behaviour to take place by carrying out environmental improvements.  Enforcement is often the last resort.  The range of potential solutions to tackling anti-social behaviour illustrates the need for multiple agencies to work together.

Please contact the Council's Customer Services Team by telephone on 08452 304040 or by email on customer.services@midbeds.gov.uk for further information and assistance.