'I know who': new safety measures are in place to protect witnesses.

A New Witness Support Scheme Aims To Take Some Of The Worry Out Of Reporting Anti-Social Behaviour. Hull In Print Reports On The Fight To Reclaim Our Streets...

Dealing with anti-social behaviour, from minor problems with dogs and children to much more serious violent and criminal acts, relies on local residents coming forward with information. In a bid to persuade more people to stand up and be counted, Hull Housing has launched a witness support scheme for residents living on Preston Road. In partnership with Preston Road Neighbourhood Development Company and the police, the council is offering a range of security measures for people who come forward with evidence of anti-social behaviour.

Joint visit

"In the past, the problem has been that people won't come forward because they're afraid of reprisals," said Mark McEgan, housing manager. "Now when they bring us information, the first thing we do is arrange a joint visit between the council and the police." They are offered a range of security devices with a view to giving witnesses enough time to contact the police. "We don't want people who step forward to feel like they're powerless, which is why we're issuing mobile phones and attack alarms. It allows them to carry on living a normal life. "If court proceedings follow, we provide transport for the witnesses and make sure they receive support after the judgment. "It's a high-level campaign. We act as soon as a tenant tells us what the issue is and then maintain contact while the case is dealt with." The witness support scheme is the latest initiative to be introduced on the Preston Road estate, after residents identified dealing with anti-social behaviour as a priority three years ago.

Five years in custody

A total of five anti-social behaviour orders are currently in force in the area. Imposed by the courts on serious repeat offenders, these are the most serious sanctions currently available. Breaching the orders, which last for at least two years, can result in up to five years in custody or a £5,000 fine. But while these high profile cases have made the headlines, a good deal of work has been going on quietly behind the scenes and much of this is preventative. Projects like Operation Cleansweep (see below) are trying to tackle the root causes of anti-social behaviour, including truancy and underage drinking and provide a greater variety of leisure activities for young people. Community Safety Director for Yorkshire and the Humber, Greg Dyche, named Preston Road as an example of good practice in multi-agency working to deal with the problems of anti-social behaviour.

Citywide drive

And the all-embracing approach developed on the estate is now being used by council anti-social behaviour teams citywide. Back in the East Area Housing Office where the project began, the witness support package has meant that record numbers of people are now coming forward to report anti-social behaviour issues. "We're currently dealing with about 200 cases and noise nuisance and youths causing annoyance are the biggest causes of complaint," said Mark McEgan. "However, not every case we deal with is an anti-social behaviour issue. "We're now working with the Women's Voluntary Service to reassure older residents that not all youths out on the street are causing problems."