Anti social behaviour down 50% in Higginshaw following new approach pilot scheme

Pictured (from left) are: Imran Majid FCHO ASB Officer, Susan Hoyle GMP PCSO and Andrew Bigland, GMP PCSO

A way for First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) has been adopted across the town after a summer pilot in Higginshaw saw a 50% reduction in incidents.

Offences like arson, vandalism, criminal damage and youths hanging around causing nuisance all plummeted in the area last July and August.

There were 17 ASB cases during that time, when in the previous six weeks there had been 33.

The success followed FCHO’s ASB Team reorganising itself to fit with the existing place-based ASB approach used by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Oldham Council that targets specific geographic areas.

The housing association has now rolled out that reorganisation into Oldham’s other four districts to further prevent and drive down ASB incidents alongside the police, council and other agencies.

Initial results in those areas are promising, it said.

“We’re delighted with the success in Higginshaw because it has allowed us to adopt the existing place-based approach across Oldham and work even more closely with the police and council on ASB issues affecting our customers and their communities,” said FCHO head of neighbourhood management Peter Davidson.  

“There is no doubt that together we are stronger and, right now, our ASB Officers in the five districts are plugged into conversations with our excellent local policing teams, as well as many Oldham Council departments such as Community Safety and Youth Justice to collectively prevent and combat ASB.”

He added: “FCHO takes anti-social behaviour very seriously.

"Just last month we worked with Oldham Council and the police to ensure a Closure Order was applied for and granted at a property we own in Talbot Close after it became a drug dealing hotspot.”

Inspector Nick Derbyshire, from GMP’s Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: “I’m very pleased with the reductions in anti-social behaviour issues we have seen in the Higginshaw ward through our dedicated efforts.

“The way the neighbourhood team works closely with First Choice Homes Oldham is essential in dealing with and finding long-term solutions to anti-social behaviour on our wards.”

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