TV cop’s message of hope for victims of ‘noisy neighbours’

• According to a YouGov poll, more than half the people questioned – 56% – think more needs to be done to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB)
• a similar proportion of the public (57%) said that they did not report it to anyone
• former ‘Loose Women’ presenter and TV cop Lisa Maxwell is starring in a short film that gives advice to people suffering in the face of prolonged anti-social behaviour
• the five minute video is the latest project financed through the Government’s Safer Streets Fund aimed at tackling the culture of ASB and male violence and intimidation against women and girls
• retired Detective Inspector Di Blandford, Gloucestershire’s Anti-Social Behaviour Case Review Coordinator said, “It is vital to develop partnership approaches across communities to deal with the growing challenges around ASB.”

Former ‘Loose Women’ presenter and TV cop Lisa Maxwell is starring in a short film that gives advice to people suffering in the face of prolonged anti-social behaviour.

 Recent YouGov research, commissioned by Resolve, the UK’s leading anti-social behaviour (ASB) and community safety organisation, found that more than half of people (56%) believe that ‘more needs to be done’ to tackle ASB in their neighbourhood.

But after witnessing, or experiencing ASB, a similar proportion of the public (57%) said that they did not report it to anyone.

The five minute video is based on genuine complaints and tells of an elderly man, alone, his existence ‘a living hell’ due to the thoughtless, inconsiderate and often threatening conduct of those living next door.

In a case of art imitating life, the Stroud-based actor who played Detective Inspector Samantha Nixon in the ITV police drama ‘The Bill’ for seven years said, “It’s easy to see how this sort of thing can have a devastating effect on innocent families and communities. I would be at my wits’ end if it happened to me.

“From what I have learned, these things can often drag on, giving the impression to those who find themselves in that situation, that no-one is listening. This is all about showing those people who to go to, and where, for help and advice”.

Produced by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), the public information film is the latest project financed through the Government’s Safer Streets Fund, from which the OPCC has successfully bid for more than £3m for a range of initiatives aimed at tackling the culture of ASB and male violence and intimidation against women and girls.

It can be seen here and is being made available to local councils, the police, housing associations, charities, community groups and sports clubs and also highlights ‘Solace’, a specialist team drawn from each the county’s six local councils who can provide expertise in addressing all forms of ASB.

Retired Detective Inspector Di Blandford, Gloucestershire’s Anti-Social Behaviour Case Review Coordinator said, “ASB is described in law as anything that causes harassment, alarm or distress and is directed at people or places. However, as the research shows, people either fail to report it, or, feel it’s not taken seriously enough when they do.

“That’s why there is now a countywide team of dedicated council case workers, police officers and PCSOs, working together under the name of ‘Solace’ to resolve complaints of high and medium level ASB. And if that doesn’t work, victims can ask for a review in which they can put their case.

“The video is a step-by-step guide to what happens during that process”.

ASB Awareness Week runs until 7 July. The aim is to encourage communities to take a stand against ASB and not suffer in silence. And to highlight help that is on offer for those experiencing it. If you are suffering from anti-social behaviour at home or in your community, look here for advice.

ASB week is supported by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, local councils, the police, housing associations, charities, community groups and sports clubs. The Constabulary’s community engagement vehicles will be around the county throughout the week, to offer advice and gather evidence where appropriate.