Agencies tackling anti-social behaviour in Coleraine

Working to an agreed protocol, the Forum aims to ensure that information, which can be sensitive and confidential, is shared properly and consistently.

Representatives from the PSNI, Coleraine Borough Council, and the Housing Executive participate in the Coleraine Forum, and meet regularly so that reports of anti social behaviour can be discussed, and appropriate information shared in keeping with the protocol.

This approach has enabled action against offenders to be better coordinated and as a result has helped to prevent many cases from developing into something more serious.

In the past year over 150 warning letters have been issued, 24 individuals have signed Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and five Anti Social Behaviour Orders have been obtained through court action.

Commenting on the Forum's work, Sharon McAleese, PSNI ASB Officer said: "The primary aim of the Forum is to divert people away from the Criminal Justice System and all available remedies and diversionary measures are considered at the earliest stage in order to change or manage an individual's behaviour.

"Our strategy of early intervention, support and a partnership based approach involving creative preventative strategies are the key factors in a long term and sustainable approach in tackling ASB."

Housing Executive Assistant District Manager, Avril McAuley, participates in the Coleraine Forum which she described as a useful tool in tackling anti social behaviour in the Borough's housing areas.

"The Housing Executive takes its responsibility to address anti social behaviour very seriously", she told the Times.

"Our strategy is to deal with these problems as early and quickly as possible and we use a range of measures to do so, including an ever increasing use of mediation.

"That said, if faced with no choice, we will initiate legal action to repossess property on grounds of anti social behaviour although this is not a route we go down lightly.

"The Forum is a useful tool in addressing anti social behaviour issues which so often involve more than one agency. The working relationships formed through the Forum have ensured cohesive action when dealing with reports and have been key to evidence gathering for legal action, all geared to making our community safer. "

Catherine McNally, from Coleraine Borough Council, added, "Coleraine Borough Council is committed to ensuring the Forum is successful in meeting its legal obligations.

"The Forum is invaluable in highlighting and identifying areas where all three agencies may be dealing with separate but related problems.

"This sharing of information enables a more coordinated and targeted approach to be taken making a positive resolution to ASB incidents and issues more likely."