Published: Wednesday 8 November 2023
Our Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) Team have been busy tackling the minority of residents who refuse to respect their neighbours, communities and in one case their own family.
Councillor Sof McVeigh, Lead Member for Housing Management, Housing Safety and Building New Homes said:
It is sad that the behaviour of a just few people can create such problems for so many others. Everyone has the right to enjoy their homes safely, in comfort and without antisocial behaviour. Our team works tirelessly to tackle bad neighbours, alongside the Police and other agencies. We’re committed to taking action against residents who make their neighbours’ lives a misery.
Protecting a vulnerable resident in sheltered accommodation
“Working closely with the Police we tried to restrict his access to the property. However, undeterred the man started to target other residents.”
In one of our sheltered housing schemes, Tavistock House, which is home to vulnerable residents, one non-resident was causing widespread misery. A drug user, this individual targeted one resident, He used his home to stay in, took drugs and created wider fear with his aggressive and unpredictable behaviour.
Working closely with the Police we tried to restrict his access to the property. However, undeterred the man started to target other residents. Concerned for the welfare of everyone at the scheme, we applied to the courts, and in September a full order was issued denying any access to the man from the scheme and the surrounding area. We have continued to work Police and Social Services to provide additional support to the resident who was originally targeted.
Evicting a resident who was determined to cause suffering
“They would hang around the corridors, taking drugs and treating the lifts and the area around the block as toilets.”
On Manchester Drive we had to intervene when one occupant, over a period of years, caused absolute misery for her neighbours. Visitors would arrive and ring bells to gain access to the building. Then, once inside they would hang around the corridors, taking drugs and treating the lifts and the area around the block as toilets. This completely unacceptable behaviour led to several residents becoming sick.
Despite repeated calls to the Police, her neighbours continued to witness drug use, be subjected to loud noise and parties, one of her visitors had a mental health issue and jumped from a second-floor window.
The ASB and the Police team had to intervene on several occasions, but our warnings were ignored by the resident and the behaviour continued. Eventually we were able to remove her from the property, but she was determined to create havoc, returning when the Order expired three months later. Her awful behaviour and that of her friends actually got worse. After a second trip to court, we were able to take possession of the flat again.
Protecting an elderly resident and her neighbours from her abusive children
“She was found by the Police wandering the street with her face covered in blood.”
Our team never wants to come between a mother and her sons, but on one occasion we were left with no alternative. At Liddiard House one elderly resident’s sons were causing mayhem with drunken behaviour, taking drugs with their friends and threatening anyone who challenged them. An array of cycles, Santander’s and Lime bikes were abandoned in the blocks.
Several reports of the mother being shouted at and attacked by one of her sons led to repeated interventions by the Police. Social services intervened and asked her wider family to help, but they showed no interest. During Carnival in August, she was found by the Police wandering the street with her face covered in blood. We paid an urgent home visit which ended with our staff being verbally abused by her son. Along with our partners we applied to the courts for an urgent injunction, which was granted. He is no longer allowed to go to the block or visit his mother’s flat. Not only is she now much safer in her own home, but her neighbours can also breathe a sigh of relief.
Report antisocial behaviour
Any criminal behaviour should be reported to the police immediately, especially if you do not feel safe. Call 999 if it is an emergency, or 101 or text phone 18001 101 for non-emergencies or crimes that have already happened. You can also contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team
Report to RBKC
Call or email your Neighbourhood Services Coordinator
Call Customer Services on 0800 137 111 or 0803 617 7080
Report by email to [email protected] if you live in thenorth of the borough or [email protected] if you live in the south.