Managing antisocial behaviour (ASB) is a key service that we provide to our tenants. ASB is an issue that has a significant impact on our communities and attracts considerable attention from residents and stakeholders.
Part of our approach to tackling ASB involves participating in the local Anti-Social Behaviour Action Group (ASBAG) which operates under the Safer Buckinghamshire Board, the county's community safety partnership.
This multi-agency group brings together key partners, including the NHS, Buckinghamshire Council, Thames Valley Police, and housing providers, who meet monthly to discuss particularly serious, persistent, and complex cases of ASB. The group’s purpose is to share information and intelligence, coordinate responses, and work collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes for affected communities.
In January, our ASB Team were contacted by Thames Valley Police’s Proactive Team, a specialist operational unit that works to disrupt repeat offenders and tackle local crime patterns. They had received intelligence suggesting that one of our homes was being used in connection with the supply of Class A drugs. Following consideration of the intelligence, officers executed a warrant at the property. Seven men were found inside, including one who was in breach of bail conditions. A large quantity of Class A drugs and associated paraphernalia was also discovered.
The case was subsequently referred to the ASBAG forum, enabling partners to share information and coordinate their response. While criminal proceedings were being considered, the police successfully applied for a full closure order to restrict access to the home, providing further relief to the local community. The order was later extended for a further three months while additional action was taken.
One of our ASB Specialists worked closely with ASBAG to gather the necessary evidence to serve notice on the tenant and end their tenancy. The tenant exercised their right to appeal, which proceeded to an internal hearing at which the decision to serve the notice was upheld. An application for possession was then submitted to the County Court, and was granted in the week commencing 12th October.
This case demonstrates the value of effective partnership working, information sharing, and a coordinated approach to tackling serious and persistent ASB. Through the commitment of our staff - in particular the hard work, determination, and relationship-building of our ASB Specialist - and our partner agencies, the case reached a successful conclusion within 12 months.
This is an excellent example of how working together can make a tangible difference to our communities and help ensure that tenants and other local residents can feel safer in their homes and neighbourhoods.
