- The first of this kind of injunction to be issued in Tamworth
- Aims to reduce antisocial behaviour across the town
- The injunction seeks to highlight the impact of criminal activity to the town’s younger residents.
Tamworth Borough Council has served an antisocial behaviour injunction against a local 15 year old, banning them from entering Ankerside shopping centre, McDonald’s restaurant (Watling Street), Morrisons Supermarket (Belgrave), Jump Extreme and Costa Coffee.
After sustained antisocial behaviour from the individual over 10 months, in partnership with Staffordshire County Council and Police, Tamworth Borough Council had no choice but to act to seek to improve the lives of those impacted by the behaviour of this individual.
The teen, who cannot be named for legal reasons is prohibited from being under the influence of drugs or alcohol in a public place, using insulting or threatening behaviour, either verbally or physically against any person including emergency service workers and Police Community Support officers.
The order prohibits the minor from congregating or loitering in the stairwells, hallways and landings in the multi-occupancy buildings of Emerald Court, Moorland Court, Emperor Court and Wessex Court, unless invited by any resident of the named premises. And is banned from entering specific area of the town that have been subject to long standing incidents.
This case is serious; the teen has subjected many individuals and businesses to months of misery which cannot be allowed to continue.
Police have been granted the power of arrest, should the individual fail to comply with the prohibitions outlined within the order.
Whilst Tamworth Borough Council supports early intervention in such cases, attempts from all partners proved to be unsuccessful in supporting the individual to change their behaviour, which is why this injunction, the first of its kind used in Tamworth, was necessary.
Stephen Gabriel, Chief Executive of Tamworth Borough Council said: “The use of our legal powers in cases like this are a last resort; we prefer to work with perpetrators and communities to resolve issues first. However, we cannot stand by while the wellbeing and property of local people and communities is put at risk. This case is extreme, and we had no choice but to act.
“We hope the teen now changes their behaviour to avoid arrest and further criminal charges. Let this be an example to other individuals to understand the seriousness of their actions and the potential consequences.
“As a council, we work in partnership with local police and others to reduce antisocial behaviour across the town, minimising harm to our residents as much as possible.
“We hope it helps the community feel safer and puts Tamworth on the right track to reduce any kind of antisocial behaviour.”
If you have a case of antisocial behaviour to report, and it isn’t a police emergency, the first step is to get in touch with Tamworth Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Impact Team. Visit Tackling ASB | Tamworth Borough Council to make a report or contact the team on 01827 709 709 or at neighbourhoodimpactteam@tamworth.gov.uk.