Sandwell Council has agreed a new Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy to help keep people safe and make neighbourhoods better places to live.
The new policy has been approved during the final week of the council's Safer 6 campaign which has focused on making our six towns safer and helping people feel proud of where they live.
The policy sets out how the council will deal with anti-social behaviour. It will make sure people affected by these problems get support, vulnerable residents are protected and action is taken against people where behaviour is persistent, serious or causes harm.
The council is also investing more in community safety. It has doubled the number of Anti-Social Behaviour Officers, is improving CCTV coverage across the borough and is working closely with the police and other organisations to prevent crime and identify offenders.
Councillor Bob Jones, Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement, said:
"As we reach the final week of our Safer 6 campaign, this new policy shows that we mean business when it comes to keeping our communities safe.
"Residents have told us that anti-social behaviour is one of their biggest concerns. They want action taken against people who intimidate others, damage property, dump rubbish illegally or make life a misery for their neighbours.
"That’s what this policy helps us do. It gives us a clear way to support victims, protect vulnerable people and take tough action when needed.
"We’re backing this up with investment in extra staff and CCTV, and are working closely with the police and other organisations.
"When people need help to change their behaviour, we will offer support. But if someone continues to cause problems after being warned, we will use all the powers available to us to take action.
"We are committed to keeping people safe and making our neighbourhoods good places to live, work and raise a family."
Residents who wish to report anti-social behaviour can visit: Anti-Social Behaviour – Sandwell Council.
The policy can be viewed at https://sandwell.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s34645/Anti-Social%20Behaviour%20ASB%20Policy.pdf