Keeping you safe

Blackpool Coastal Housing (BCH) is committed to creating and supporting communities that our customers are proud to live in. As part of this commitment, we treat Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) very seriously and take necessary action to resolve issues where possible.

This case study is an example of what happens when we receive reports of ASB. It shows the complexity that can be involved and how your input makes a real difference in helping to resolve issues.

Case Study: How Action Was Taken to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour

Residents in a block of flats managed by BCH are now feeling safer and more settled after a long-running anti-social behaviour case was resolved.

Background

In May 2023, BCH received multiple reports from residents about ongoing anti-social behaviour within the block. While initially linked to a single tenancy, the issues escalated and involved several individuals.

Reported concerns included:

• Loud music, shouting and late-night noise
• Drug-related activity and people congregating
• Domestic violence reports
• Vandalism in communal areas
• Intimidation, harassment, aggression and violence including possession of weapons and threats to use them.

Six residents came forward, highlighting the serious impact on their wellbeing. Some residents reported feeling unsafe in their own homes.

Early intervention and support provided

BCH acted quickly to investigate and address the concerns. A dedicated Neighbourhood Officer opened a case and worked closely with partner agencies, including the police and Community Safety Partnership to establish evidence and take early action.

The steps BCH took:

• Action Plans were completed with individuals reporting the ASB to keep them updated on next steps.
• An Acceptable Behaviour Contract was put in place with the perpetrators.
• Joint visits with Blackpool Police were completed with verbal warnings issued to the perpetrators. Multi-agency meetings also took place and support was offered to the perpetrators.
• Security improvements were made to the door entry system and Home Safety Checks were offered to residents.

Despite early engagement and intervention, the ASB continued and we were therefore committed to using the formal tools and powers available to us.

Positive impact
After continued and persistent work to reduce the ASB related incidents within the block, BCH secured two evictions and a triple injunction with a custodial sentence.

Without continued support from residents in completing and sending incident reports and disturbance logs, BCH wouldn’t have been able to build evidence in order to take action against the perpetrators.