One Vision Housing

Housing associations across Sefton have joined forces to help combat anti-social behaviour and Hate Crime in the borough.

The new group - known as 'Registered Social Landlords Anti-Social Behaviour Forum'  (RSL ASB) draws members from a number of housing associations, including One Vision Housing, Riverside Housing, Adactus Housing, Cosmopolitan Housing Association, Rodney Housing, Evolve, Breath Plus and Maritime Housing Association.

The purpose of the Forum is to develop effective measures to tackle anti-social behaviour in Sefton; to share information and good practice and to promote joint working on specific issues.

The RSL ASB Forum will act as an information outlet, providing the exchange of information to help organisations in the area apply and implement the Government's agenda for community improvement through initiatives like the Respect Standard for Housing Management. The forum will also encourage the development of best practice to enhance community safety and to combat and reduce anti-social behaviour.

The Forum draws together a wide range of bodies including Sefton Council, the Police and statutory and voluntary agencies to work closely to build sound working relationships to effect real change.

Recent statistics show that the partnership is already seeing results having recently secured 11 injunctions against individuals in Sefton identified as causing anti-social behaviour; with three of these including exclusion orders preventing the individual from entering certain areas and / or properties.

At a recent Forum meeting a presentation was given by Detective Sergeant David Rich from Merseyside Police Sigma Unit who undertakes all investigations into Hate Crime within the Sefton Area.

He explained that Hate Crime can be identified as a physical or verbal act committed against another person as a result of an individuals prejudice against another due to their race, age,  gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion and / or belief.

Evidence of an offence is not necessary for an allegation of a hate crime to be reported. Perception that a hate crime has occurred, on the part of anyone, is all that is required.

Detective  Sergeant Rich added that: " Hate Crime has a devastating effect on the quality of life, not only does it affect the individual themselves, but it has an overwhelming impact upon their family and the wider community as a whole. Merseyside Police will not tolerate any form of Hate Crime and we are committed to ensuring the safety of everyone in the community, regardless of their circumsatnces.

"In Sefton we have dedicated investigators trained to deal with these types of crimes and as well as being able to direct people to other agencies who can offer additional forms of support."

Further information is available from: Detective Sergeant David Rich on 07843 290477. Information about the Registered Social Landlords Anti-Social Behaviour Forum is available from Joe Mullis, Anti-Social Behaviour Manager, One Vision Housing 0845 140 1234.