Oldbury residents have been have promised by police that they will clamp down on yobs who are plaguing the area. There has been a marked increase in the number of problems where youths are continually causing problems and burglaries have also increased.
The town centre is also being targeted by officers who want to see an end to the increase in crime. The police are keen to have regular meetings with residents where problems can be discussed. The behaviour of the yobs is raising concerns about the safety of residents, many of whom have been a victim of theft, meaning they have had to claim on their buildings and contents insurance policies. Four of the group have been handed ASBOs (Anti-Social Behaviour Orders) and a further six have been given ABCs (Acceptable Behaviour Contracts). In addition another three of the offenders have received both the 1st and 2nd stage warning letters prior to an ABC issue.
Sergeant Darren Jones, from the Oldbury Neighbourhood Policing Team, said “An action plan has been put in place to tackle an increase in crime and people having to claim on their house insurance quotes in Oldbury town centre. Visibility will increase in the town centre and a robust offender management style will be taken against known offenders. Officers are keen to develop a retail watch so that local shops can raise concerns and share best practices regarding crime prevention.”
The police have had numerous complaints regarding anti social behaviour and residents have raised concerns about the number of burglaries and damage to vehicles in the area. They have made sure that there is an increase in the visibility of police officers and PCSOs in the neighbourhood in the hope that it will help. The PCSOs have also given out crime prevention advice to residents. The next Neighbourhood Watch meeting will take place in three weeks time.