Victims of anti-social behaviour (ASB) have been given a stronger voice thanks to the introduction of the Community Trigger.
The new initiative has been introduced in the UK and processes have been put in place in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Powys and Pembrokeshire to allow people to access the new power.
Individuals, businesses and communities who have experienced ASB or hate crime or incidents – with a hate crime/incident being regarded as related to a person’s race, religion/belief, sexual orientation, disability or transgender status – can apply for a Community Trigger, which could lead to a review of their case. Applications can also be made on behalf of a victim provided their consent is given.
For a trigger to be successful there is certain criteria that must be met. There needs to have been at least three complaints of ASB made within six months from an individual, at least five complaints of ASB within six months from more than one person within the same locality or one complaint of a hate crime/incident. The complaints could have been made to any of the partnership organisations who work together to address anti-social behaviour including police, local authorities, health boards and registered housing associations.
Temporary Chief Inspector Ross Evans said: “Anti-social behaviour can occasionally have a huge impact on our communities. I can assure communities throughout the four counties in our area that strong partnership working between the police, local authorities, health boards and registered housing associations is already taking place to address ASB.
“However the introduction of the Community Trigger provides victims with a new opportunity to request a review of ASB cases that have been reported where no action has been taken or the action taken is deemed inadequate by the victims.”
* To request a Community Trigger call 101 for an application form. Notification of whether an application has been successful or not will be received within 20 working days. The trigger application will be discussed at a multi-agency meeting and if successful an action plan drawn up to deal with the issues raised.
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