Investment boost to halt a rise in antisocial behaviour

Thirteen, Middlesbrough Council, The Junction Foundation and the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) are working together to support residents living in Netherfields, following increased reports of crime and anti-social behaviour last year.

Thirteen has invested over £80,000 to install new CCTV in the area, which is acting as a deterrent, as well as helping identify those continuing to impact on residents with nuisance behaviour.

The investment is part of a continuous partnership which builds on the commitment to make Netherfields an even better place to live and build back confidence in the area.

The OPCC has funded additional street warden patrols provided by Middlesbrough Council, and along with Thirteen, invested in youth street-based interventions, funding youth workers from The Junction who work in Netherfields two nights a week to complement and further build on the successful work already in place, overseeing some incredible community projects with young people.

Thirteen’s community partnership manager Carolyn Handley said: “Netherfields has a fantastic community with a strong sense of pride, but the people living there have had to endure antisocial activity from a small minority.

“We worked together with our housing services colleagues, listened to the concerns of residents, and we pledged our support – to remain committed to working together with the community to improve this area and make it into a more welcoming and vibrant place and a great place to live, because people have the right to feel safe where they live.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said: “When it comes to tackling deep-rooted issues in communities, agencies must work together to make the biggest impact for people living there.

“I’m pleased to see agencies pulling together to use a variety of tools and methods to prevent crime and encourage positive activities for young people.”

Cllr Janet Thompson, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods at Middlesbrough Council said: "People in Netherfields deserve to live without antisocial behaviour and crime on their estate.

"By working together with Thirteen and other partners, council officers have been able to contribute to targeting the small minority of trouble causers who had led to a number of issues.

"I want to pass on my thanks to everyone involved and also to those residents who work with us to look after their neighbourhood.

"Our dedicated officers will do everything they can to ensure we continue to see improvements in Netherfields."

Carolyn continued: “Significant progress has been made, but we will continue to work hard with those living in the area, while helping residents create a community where they feel safe proud to live.”