New Code to Tackle Anti-social Behaviour in Blackfen
The latest in a series of steps to address the anti-social behaviour that has been affecting Blackfen Parade in Sidcup has been launched with the support of the Bexley Community Safety Partnership.
A Code of Conduct to help tackle unacceptable behaviour was launched in the area on Thursday 25 May.
Supported by a poster campaign, the new Code of Conduct asks for hoods and helmets to be removed before entering the shops. It also explains that no anti-social behaviour, including swearing or other inappropriate language, is to be used. It warns that breaches of the Code will not be tolerated and will be reported to the police.
Speaking at the launch, Phil James, 16, from Blackfen said: "A lot of young people wear hoodies and most of the time it is just a fashion statement. It is not unreasonable for staff to want us to take them down when we go into their shops".
The local Safer Neighbourhoods Policing Team is asking local traders to help them enforce the Code.
Trader Mike Rudd of Premier Autos in Blackfen Road said: "It makes a statement that as businesses in Blackfen we will not tolerate bad behaviour".
A group comprising staff from Blackfen Library, representatives from the Blackfen Forum, local businesses, local residents, Bexley Police and the Community Safety Partnership, developed the Code following a five-month problem-solving process.
As part of the process, letters were sent to a number of young people involved
in anti-social behaviour and the police made recorded visits to their homes.
During the first month, eleven arrests were also made for offences related to
anti-social behaviour.
"The problem-solving process brought together local people who know the area and its problems and gave them the opportunity to contribute to solutions," explains PC Sarah Thompson from the Blacken and Lamorbey Safer Neighbourhoods Policing Team. "This Code of Conduct, along with the other ways in which we are tackling anti-social behaviour, will make a real difference to the area.
"We were extremely pleased to get help from members of the younger community and from the local youth centre in developing the poster that supports the Code."
