Residents, families, visitors and local businesses have raised serious and ongoing concerns about persistent antisocial behaviour and crime in Kings Heath.

Community reports describe incidents affecting homes, streets, Kings Heath Park, the High Street and surrounding areas. Reported concerns include intimidation, violence, threats, reports involving knives, theft, robbery, property damage, disorder, disruptive behaviour and dangerous use of scooters and other vehicles around roads and public spaces. Some reports have involved children, young people, families, older people and local businesses feeling unsafe.

For some residents, these concerns are not new and have continued for several years. Repeated incidents have been reported through official channels, including to the police and housing providers, with evidence gathered and submitted. Despite these efforts, some residents feel that no lasting solution has been achieved.

Many residents feel that these problems have continued repeatedly over a long period of time and are seriously affecting people’s safety, wellbeing and quality of life. Members of the community and local businesses have expressed growing concern about the impact on the area.

Some residents have personally witnessed individuals being arrested and then returning to the community shortly afterwards. There are concerns that, where persistent antisocial behaviour continues after repeated police intervention, those involved may feel that there are few effective consequences. Residents want reassurance that repeated incidents are being properly addressed and that all appropriate powers are being used to protect the community.

We recognise that incidents involving children and young people can be complex and that appropriate safeguarding and support may be needed. However, this must be balanced with the right of residents, children, families, older people, visitors and local businesses to feel safe in their community.

We ask for:

• Effective and timely action against persistent antisocial behaviour and related crime, using appropriate legal, enforcement and safeguarding powers where evidence and circumstances support action.

• Appropriate consequences and accountability for persistent or serious harmful behaviour, while ensuring that children and young people receive any necessary safeguarding, intervention and support.

• Where serious or persistent antisocial behaviour is established, all appropriate lawful measures should be considered to prevent it from continuing, including action by relevant housing providers where individuals are tenants.

• Relevant authorities should not deal with persistent concerns in isolation but should take responsibility and work effectively together where their involvement is needed to stop the behaviour and protect the community.

• Action to protect residents, families, visitors, businesses and other members of the community affected by persistent antisocial behaviour, with clear communication about what action is being taken.

We respectfully call on the relevant authorities to take these persistent concerns seriously and take meaningful, effective and lasting action to protect the community and prevent this behaviour from continuing.