Chelmer Housing Partnership in drive to reduce antisocial behaviour

3/8/06
Ref: pr 092

Five employees from Chelmer Housing Partnership (CHP) have joined the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme to work alongside the Police in helping to stamp out low level crime and anti-social behaviour.

The Police Reform Act 2002 gives Police Authorities the ability to offer a ‘stamp of approval’ to partner organisations and, after undertaking appropriate training, allow employees of that organisation certain police powers.

Chelmer Housing Partnership was the first organisation in Essex to become part of this scheme in 2005. Nearly one year later, CHP has a total of 7 employees including 5 Estate Rangers who are authorised under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS). They patrol CHP estates and have powers that include the ability to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for offences such as graffiti, fly tipping and harassment, plus the power to arrange for removal of abandoned vehicles.

Nigel Perks, Head of Residential Services at CHP said: “Antisocial behaviour is not widespread but where it does occur it makes life very stressful for our residents and we’re keen to deal with it promptly and effectively. These additional accredited Estate Rangers strengthen our existing team, which is on regular patrol and has already made a positive difference. As well as a visible presence, we’ve established football teams for younger residents and worked closely with our tenants. This scheme also means that we’re able to co-operate with the police in tackling low level crime and youth nuisance on CHP’s shopping parades.”

Ends.

Editors Notes:

Estate Rangers work closely with residents to help reduce crime and fear of crime, develop community spirit and provide a rapid response to complaints of antisocial behaviour.
Flexible hours enable a rapid response while referring longer standing issues on to the antisocial behaviour division of the Quality of Life team.
Immediate response to complaints of antisocial behaviour, including abandoned vehicles, litter and graffiti removal, directly addresses the issues most important to our residents.
Photo of Estate Rangers on patrol and receiving their CSAS accreditation attached to email.
For more information contact Victoria Norton: 01245 613111, 07709 334403, victoria.norton@chelmerhp.org.uk

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