GOOD NEWS: Work carried out to tackle anti-social behaviour in Radlett 

The Bushey and Radlett Safer Neighbourhood Team have been working hard to make life better for people in Scrubbitts Square. 

Residents in the three blocks of flats which make up Scrubbitts Square regularly contacted police about anti-social behaviour. Complaints included noise nuisance, drug dealing, people shouting using foul language and people letting their dogs foul in common areas. 

It was made a policing priority in March and since then, officers and PCSOs have been working to address the issues. 

Working closely with Hertsmere Borough Council, they: 

• Conducted a survey to all residents to get a fuller understanding of the issues 
• Followed up with a letter to residents informing them of the policing priority, providing contact details and urging residents to report issues
• Conducted daily high visibility patrols in the area
• Identified five people who were responsible for most of the anti-social behaviour. Community Protection Warnings were given to all five individuals.
• Another of the five residents was issued with a location ban, preventing her from entering the flats. She has since broken this ban and is awaiting a court hearing.
• A temporary camera was installed to monitor incidents

PC Mike Morris said: “We have seen a reduction in calls to the area, with 17 calls in the six months before we made it a policing priority to just a handful since it was prioritised. And during that time, we encouraged residents to report incidents. 

“Being visible in the area on a daily basis meant that we were able to witness incidents when they happened and take immediate action where anyone was breaching a Community Protection Warning or Notice.

“We hope that residents in the area have noticed a difference and felt that we have made a positive impact in the area to make it a more pleasant place to live.” 

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Rachael Robertson said: “This is just one example of how the Safer Neighbourhood Team tackles issues that are affecting the community. The residents in Scrubbitts Square were subject to unacceptable behaviour and through making us aware, we were able to use all our powers, working alongside Hertsmere Borough Council, to tackle it. I would urge anyone who is subjected to anti-social behaviour in the area they live to contact us so we can help.”