Yob culture tackled (From Penarth Times)

Yob culture tackled

PENARTH'S spiralling problem with anti-social behaviour is being tackled head on. Dealing with one of the increasing problems of today's modern society is at the root of a new initiative involving a range of Vale of Glamorgan organisations

Under the banner, 'the Vale Crime and Disorder Partnership', a number of groups are working together side by side.

These include the local authority, police, housing associations, magistrates, youth forum, probation service, health and fire services, Neighbourhood Watch and Victim Support.

All the organisations were represented at a workshop, led by Chief Insp Steve Burge, Det Insp Steve Trigg, and Ian Walters, the council's head of housing and community safety.

The council's cabinet member for housing and community safety, cllr John Thomas, was also present.

He said: "Initial work has focused upon identifying the many types of anti-social behaviour and the people and groups affected by it.

"In reality, it permeates throughout our society, sometimes with disturbing consequences.

"A whole range of possible responses to anti-social behaviour are being considered and will be incorporated into a strategy which will emphasise the effective collaboration of all the partners."

Cllr Thomas added: "While anti-social behaviour orders are available to the police and local authorities, the aim will be to tackle problems at the earliest opportunity through partnership working."

Chief Insp Steve Burge, added: "A great deal of emphasis is being placed upon supporting victims and, in doing so, dealing with offenders in a way that will change their behaviour.

"This may just require a friendly warning but at times can require more formal measures, including legal action. To this end a working protocol is being developed which all partners will work within to ensure a consistent and fair approach.

"The message is clear; anyone behaving in an anti-social way will be dealt with."