NEW PLAN TO TACKLE ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

A new strategy to tackle anti-social behaviour in Thanet has been given the green light.
Members of Thanet District Council’s Cabinet last night (Thursday 17 June) agreed the plans, which target four priority areas. These are supporting victims and witnesses, delivering enforcement in the worst cases, ensuring that all other cases are dealt with, using prevention and diversion, and looking to raise standards in the service they provide to residents.

It aims to deliver an overall reduction in anti-social behaviour of 5%, along with improvements in people’s perceptions of how safe the area is and their confidence in the police and council in tackling the issue.

Over the next 12 months, residents can expect to see the introduction of a victim and witnesses service for the worst cases in anti-social behaviour. This will help to ensure that people feel more comfortable providing evidence and attending court. Other measures being put in place are a roll out of extra CCTV cameras, particularly in housing blocks and the continued use of the anti-social behaviour toolkit, including anti-social behaviour orders, dispersal orders and crack house closures.

Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “The council, along with its partners, is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in Thanet. We know that it’s something that makes people’s lives a misery and that’s why we need to take action. We know that figures show that Thanet is becoming a safer place to live, but all too often, people don’t feel that. By taking robust action against anti-social behaviour, we hope to make people feel that Thanet is getting safer.”