CCTV wipes out ASB problems at Knowsley Court
Collaborative working has proved the key to eradicating the problem of anti social behaviour in one of Magenta Living’s neighbourhoods recently.
A spate of incidents in Knowsley Court in Birkenhead was causing a nightmare for residents. These included setting off the fire alarm, throwing stones at windows and the theft of the communal Christmas tree, so it was time to take action.
After spotting ASB issues unfolding on CCTV, the first step was to assign an Emergency Response Team member to keep an eye on the area under the cover of darkness. Patrol cars also provided a visible presence between the hours on 4pm until 11.30pm.
Working alongside Merseyside Police and Community Leaders, Magenta Living’s Tenancy Enforcement Team reviewed CCTV footage to identify the culprits. By tracking movements and taking stills from the CCTV two young boys where identified, aged 10 and 12.
Paul Robinson, Magenta Living’s Emergency Response Team Manager says: “Once we had names, we went round to their homes and sensitively discussed the implications of their actions with the boys and their parents. Aside from the criminal aspect and distress caused to others, their home could be at risk because we have a zero tolerance policy on this type of behaviour. Both youths showed remorse for their actions and Knowsley Court has been ASB free ever since.”
Without partnership working and the CCTV control room, Knowsley Court residents would still be blighted with incidents today. It’s important to raise awareness around this issue in order to encourage other tenants to join the #ClaimBackYourCommunity campaign by reporting ASB - safe in the knowledge that Magenta Living will do its best to combat it.
Magenta Living’s Tenancy Enforcement Team has found the addition of an in-house CCTV system to be a vital resource as it helps identify hotspot areas and encourages a proactive approach.
Our CCTV Control Room was launched back in January 2016 with the sole aim of making neighbourhoods safer. The 10 strong team of Emergency Response Officers do a great job of monitoring 108 cameras covering nine high rise buildings 24/7.
- The Emergency Response Team has recently been awarded a contract with Family Housing Association to provide an out of hours CCTV evidence gathering service in order to assist them with their ASB issues.