Knowsley residents have a vital role to play in helping to tackle anti-social behaviour and criminal behaviour across the borough.
Knowsley’s Crime and Communities team work closely with Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, landlords and other community safety partners to help tackle anti-social behaviour in the borough.
Action taken in recent months, such as the issuing of Acceptable Behaviour Agreements (ABA’s) in Kirkby and Prescot Town Centres, has helped to significantly reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour in Knowsley.
Knowsley Council has more than 950 cameras across the borough that are monitored 24/7. Specialist members of staff monitor the cameras in Prescot, Huyton, Halewood and Kirkby during the evening and weekends, specifically looking out for antisocial behaviour.
Despite this, anti-social behaviour continues to impact on residents and communities, taking up valuable Police and Council resources.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “Incidents of anti-social behaviour will often increase during the summer months, particularly in our town centres, which has a detrimental impact on our residents and our communities. Significant investment has been made to improve our town centres in recent years, so incidents which cause damage and affect residents and businesses are particularly disappointing for everyone.
“I’d urge parents and carers to make sure they know where their children are and what they are doing. Anti-social behaviour is by no means exclusive to young people and we are talking about a very small minority who spoil things for others. But action will be taken against anyone found to be carrying out anti-social behaviour in Knowsley.”
What is anti-social behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour may include some of the following issues:
- Hate-related incidents
- Verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation or threatening behaviour
- Vandalism and damage to properties
- Alcohol/drug activity in a public place
- Misuse of open spaces, public areas or loitering
- Use of off-road vehicles
Chief Inspector Chris Ruane said: “At Merseyside Police, we are aware of how anti-social behaviour can impact on local communities and it’s an issue we take extremely seriously.
“As part of our work to reduce anti-social behaviour in Knowsley, we work with the council’s Crime and Communities team, which has been an effective partnership in tackling incidents of ASB.
“The actions of children, or anyone, who commits anti-social behaviour or more serious offences won’t be tolerated and we would ask parents to play their part in ensuring their children don’t end up on the wrong side of the law. I would urge parents to make sure they know where their children are when they are out and about in the local community. Significant support and diversionary activities are available within the borough to children and families.
“Furthermore, if parents are aware that their child has committed an offence, they should do the right thing and contact us. If you have any information about anti-social behaviour, DM @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call 101.”
Activities for children and young people
There are a host of free activities taking place across Knowsley this summer for children and young people. These include a range of activities taking place throughout August as part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. You can find more details about the programme on the One Knowsley website.
Report it
If you have any information about anti-social behaviour in Knowsley direct message Merseyside Police on facebook and twitter social media @MerPolCC.
Information can also be shared with Knowsley’s Crime and Communities team via safer.knowsley@knowsley.gov.uk. You will be contacted by a designated case office who will discuss your report.
You can also pass information on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.