In the news: Peace restored for family thanks to council's swift action on Anti-Social Behaviour

Thanks to the team's prompt and effective intervention, the family were then able to live peacefully and safely alongside their neighbours.

The ASB team had been investigating complaints of anti-social behaviour, including racial abuse targeted at the family.

The harassment was affecting their well-being, and they felt increasingly unsafe, especially after one of the parents of the youths involved threatened them with violence.

In response, the ASB Officer issued warnings to the parents and engaged with all families involved, highlighting the harm caused by such behaviour. As a result, the three youths involved signed an Acceptable Behaviour Contract. Since then, there have been no further incidents or reports involving them.

Councillor Melissa McGeorge, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: "We are fully committed to creating safer communities and will continue to work with residents to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

"We take a zero-tolerance stance on such behaviour, and I want to thank the officers for their dedicated efforts in supporting this family. Every individual deserves to feel safe in their own home, and in this instance, the young people involved have learned an important life lesson."

One month after signing the contract, one of the youths personally visited the family to apologise for their past behaviour, saying that they hadn't fully understood the impact their actions had on the family.

The family accepted the apology and shared with the ASB Officer that they were grateful for the intervention. They felt the ASB team's actions not only stopped the anti-social behaviour but also helped educate the youths on the profound effects their actions could have on others.

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Published 12 March 2025