Meriden police granted more powers to tackle ASB

 

POLICE have been granted additional powers to tackle problem youths at a known anti-social behaviour spot in Meriden.

Residents in and around Alspath Road have reported teens gathering to drink alcohol, intimidating passers-by, littering and playing loud music from vehicles.

Solihull Police has responded by successfully applying for a dispersal order which allows them to move on any groups (of two or more people) suspected of causing a nuisance and arrest anyone breaching the order’s terms.

It also allows officers to escort home any under-16s found in the restricted zone between the hours of 9pm and 6am.

Meriden Neighbourhood Police Team Sergeant Tony Hanlon, said: “We’re committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in Meriden and are working with the local community to gather evidence against those responsible.

 

Sergeant Tony Hanlon posting the ASB Dispersal Order

near the community centre in Meriden.



“By working closely with residents and businesses we’ve managed to successfully apply for a dispersal order that gives us the power to disperse groups responsible for anti-social behaviour.”

The dispersal order – which runs until at least November 12 – covers all areas falling within the B4104 Main Rd, Leys Lane and B4102 Fillongley Road 'triangle'.

And it comes shortly after Solihull Police secured a two-year Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Order (CRASBO) against a known troublemaker in the area.

Michael Neary, of Fillongley Rd, Meriden, was handed the CRASBO by Magistrates last month



Photo of Michael Neary who is subject of the ban



It bans the 18-year-old from entering Alspath Road (from number 30 to Arden Close), the local Co-Op store, community centre, The Croft and the passageway which leads to Highfield.

In addition, the Meriden Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to work closely with Solihull Council and Solihull Community Housing to help improve the area and provide activities for local children and teenagers.

For a week in August (22nd-26th) officers alongside the council’s Neighbourhood Sports Team laid on free sports sessions, including basketball, football and cricket, for eight- to 14-year-olds in Balsall Common’s Willow Park.

Residents are urged to report anti-social behaviour and if they see Michael Neary within his CRASBO restricted zone to contact Solihull Police on 0345 113 5000.

Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre Fun Day

On the 19^th August 2011 a fun day took place in Chelmsley Wood shopping centre to raise money for the Shopping Centre Association.

The Fun Day was arranged by members of the Town Centre Tenants Association, which was set up by Sergeant Mark Cowl from the Chelmsley Wood Neighbourhood Police together with Barry Jones the Centre Manager to build on the excellent working relationship between retailers and their local police teams.

The Association exists to improve the environment and shopping experience for retailers, staff and vistors to Chelmsley Wood Town Centre

A number of retailers donated raffles prizes, the proceeds of which will help to fund the purchase of additional radios for the Retail Link scheme to enable retailers, Security Staff and Police communicate more easily.

Throughout the day there was a Disco in the centre of the Shopping Malls with DJ Paul “ The Prisoner “ Chambers, who is one of the town centre cleaning staff. The disco attracted many members of the public to dance with “ Woody the Owl “ the town centre mascot who’s time was donated by Albermarle and Bond pawn brokers.

The Incredible Hulk also made an appearances on the day played by centre cleaner Martin Thompson in between his regular duties of keeping the centre clean.

Other attractions in the centre included a Bouncy Castle and some 'Stocks' where willing victims had wet sponges thrown at them for a price. Some of the more popular victims included Sergeant Mark Cowl;  the centre manager Barrie Jones and PC Dave Jephcott. 

Sgt Cowl said “it is fantastic to see Chelmsley Wood residents turn out in force to support an event to improve their local shopping centre”

The day raised over £300 toward the cost of the Retail Link radios, which will provide a better and safer environment for shoppers and staff

If you want to get in touch with your local Police team visit Solihull Police or phone 0345 113 5000