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Collaborative efforts key to combatting Anti-Social Behaviour

Early intervention, innovative projects and strong partnerships are playing a key role in helping to tackle anti-social behaviour and support vulnerable residents in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.

The latest Performance Report from the South and Vale Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which brings together public services including councils, the police, health services and housing providers, highlights examples of the work which had a positive impact across the community during 2023-24.  These include:

  • Engaging with young people involved in anti-social behaviour in Didcot. After local youth workers built a rapport with the group, they instead chose to take part in activities provided by Didcot Train.
  • Increased patrols and outreach work with young people causing disturbances in Wantage resulted in a reduction in anti-social behaviour.
  • A review of areas prone to anti-social behaviour and criminality in Watlington led to new lockable gates on public toilets, upgraded CCTV and more patrols.  This resulted in a decrease in issues locally and improved safety for residents.
  • During the summer and Easter holidays, over 500 youngsters attended skate park sessions aimed at deterring them from becoming involved with anti-social behaviour. The events, organised alongside the councils’ Active Communities Team and skate experts ATBShop, received an overwhelmingly positive response from those taking part.
  • Securing funding for an independent mediation service which helped a number of families work through anti-social behaviour related neighbour disputes and resolve their issues.

Supporting vulnerable people

The South and Vale CSP continues to provide vital support for some of our most vulnerable residents.  Performances highlighting how grooming can occur helped to raise awareness among secondary school pupils of child sexual exploitation.  Repairs and security works were provided for 64 victims of domestic abuse to help them feel safer in their homes and covert cameras were also installed in dozens of homes to help protect those at risk of domestic abuse, burglary, anti-social behaviour or exploitation. 

The partnership also continued to support vulnerable people when out and about.  99 premises are now signed up as ‘Safe Places’ to go to if someone is feeling threatened or harassed.  Pubs and restaurants have also been encouraged to join the growing list of ‘Ask for Angela’ venues to ensure help will be available for anyone who feels unsafe or at risk of sexual violence while on an evening out.

Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “The collaborative efforts of the South and Vale Community Safety Partnership are having a very real impact in tackling anti-social behaviour.  Rather than getting involved with activities which impact others and potentially harm their own future, thanks to early intervention, young people are, instead, trying positive activities and feeling a genuine part of their local community.”

Cllr Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “These projects are making a real difference to many people’s lives.   By working together and addressing issues head-on as quickly as possible we ensure issues don’t escalate and that our area remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.”