Working with partners to improve communities in Coventry

Over the summer there was a particular focus on tackling disruption around Vernon Court, such as sex working and drug use, and the police issued Community Protection warnings and other notices to people who were causing these issues. We also tackled fly tipping which had been dumped in Nelson Street – thanks to CCTV evidence the cost of removing the items was recharged to the perpetrator.

The police also made 26 arrests in Hillfields relating to offences such as robbery, assault, theft and recall to prison during August.

Earlier this year in July they issued nine community protection warnings, and one community protection notice which led to an arrest.

 We helped achieve these results by working with the police through several ways. These included walking round the estate with partners to review alleyways, regularly reviewing CCTV, providing evidence from our customers and Concierge Team to support police investigations, and attending regular meetings with partners with the specific aim of tackling ASB.

We also have future plans to make changes to the canopy at Vernon Court over the winter months in a bid to further reduce the anti-social behaviour there.

These examples highlight fantastic results thanks to working together.

Our Chief Operating Officer, Mads Nelson, said: “Working with our partners is really important to us and it’s great to see the positive impact this is having for customers living in Hillfields.

“We’ll continue to focus on tackling anti social behaviour in this part of Coventry because we want everyone living in our neighbourhoods to feel safe, supported and secure.

“If customers need to report any anti-social behaviour to us, you can do it by calling 0300 790 6555.”

Sargeant Ian Powell for the Hillfields area, said: “We want to reassure Hillfields residents that we’re taking strong, sustained action to tackle anti-social behaviour and protect vulnerable people.

“Our partnership with Citizen has already delivered real results—from arrests and community protection notices to tackling fly-tipping and improving safety around Vernon Court. We’re committed to continuing this work and making Hillfields a safer place for everyone.”

Cllr Naeem Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “It’s important that organisations work together and with the community to find longer term solutions to problems of crime and anti-social behaviour. These examples highlight some positives steps being taken over the summer and all agencies need to continue to do what is right – particularly for the vast majority of law abiding residents in the local neighbourhood.”

The organisations will continue to work together to achieve more results in the Hillfields area.