YOB RULE

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Dispersal orders are being introduced in three areas of Derby in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour. The orders, made by police and the Derby Community Safety Partnership, cover Markeaton Park, as well as the Mackworth and Morley estates. They give officers the power to move on groups of people if they think they are acting in an anti-social manner. A Derbyshire Police spokesperson said the orders were necessary to protect residents' quality of life.

The orders will run for six months and those who ignore them by returning to the area can be arrested. Insp Rachel Walker said, "This is not a measure we introduce lightly but we feel it is necessary to help to ensure that the majority of people can go about their business in safety and confidence. We will be enforcing the order and dealing positively with those who are found in breach of it." (Source: BBC News, Jul/07)

Every weekend now in the area between Abbey Street, Stockbrook Street and Parliament Street, a certain minority of males find it necessary to broadcast their "drunken immaturity" to residents whilst on their way home in the early hours of the morning. For some reason, they take great pleasure in throwing and racing wheelie bins around, kicking wing mirrors off cars, shouting at the top of their voices and basically showing a complete disregard for residents' property and ability to get a decent nights sleep.

The problem isn't helped at all by people leaving their wheelie bins out all week long, enabling these drunks to use them as battering rams and race them around the streets causing damage. These bins are also obstructing the pavements, making it awkward for pushchair and wheelchair access. Is it too much trouble to actually keep the bins in the back gardens where they belong and put them out the night before collection?

I'd like to ask the mindless vandals who seem to get a thrill out of kicking off car wing mirrors if they have cars of their own, because I'm sure if they did and someone kept constantly vandalising it in the manner these people do they'd have a great deal to say about it. We have to pay the council for the "privilage" of parking outside of our own houses and this is what we get for it. This area needs to see a police presence at weekends in order to at least try and deter these idiots.

I fully understand that police resources are sparse but surely a few drive-by patrols could suffice? I doubt many of the people who have had their vehicles vandalised have reported it to the police due to them thinking it is a waste of time, but at least if residents ring in and actually let the police know what's happening in the area, there will be more chance of us seeing a patrol car, otherwise the assumption will just be that no crime happens here.

I for one shall be taking drastic action and investing in some home CCTV cameras to protect both my home and car in the future, so these individuals better beware the next time they are having their drunken fun, they might just be being filmed and I shall not hesitate to pass this on to the police. Maybe I am abnormal in that when I go out and have a few drinks I merrily stagger back home without attacking a car or a wheelie bin, or maybe I am just too respectful! Anon

For three years, Sallie Powell, who is deaf, has been subjected to daily intimidation and abuse from a gang of 20 youths who hang around outside her home. The single mum, who lives in a council flat in Finchley Avenue, Mackworth Estate, even has to rely on her seven-year-old son, Jordan Taylor-Powell, to listen out for any signs of trouble. As well as verbally abusing her in the street, she says the youths enter the flats through the back entrance, climb the staircase and shout abuse outside her door. They have also vandalised her car. The matter is so serious that she is afraid to let Jordan play outside in the communal garden.

This victimisation came to a head when the youths threatened to "do her" for reporting them to the local housing office for firing at her friend, Tracey Tibor, with a ball-bearing gun. Now, Miss Powell is desperate to move. The police have admitted there is a problem in her area and have pledged to do something about it. Sergeant Martin Critchley, beat manager for the area, said, "We're aware of a group of juveniles who are causing problems in the community, not just to Sallie Powell, but to other people. We will be taking further action and we will be targeting these people."

Andy Thomas, co-ordinator with the city council anti-social behaviour team, said, "The bottom line is we rely on the public to tell us about the problems. We will certainly work with the police to identify the problem, listen to the resident and come up with the solutions. We will also speak to Derby Homes in terms of more appropriate accommodation as she is the victim of anti-social behaviour. I'm quite confident we can solve her problems. This woman's life is being made a misery."

Maria Murphy, housing manager at Derby Homes, which manages the city council's 15,000 homes, said, "We are aware of the problems she has been suffering. We are awaiting a medical assessment and we will chase the response and see whether or not we are able to move her up in the list as a priority." After three years of abuse by these yobs, it is Ms Powell who has to move. So much for the anti-social behaviour scheme.

Residents were assured six months previously by a member of Derby Homes Mackworth Local Housing Office, that this problem had been investigated and appropriate action was being taken. Since access to these flats was being made by non-residents, arrangements had been made in order that residents only had the necessary means of access to the building. It was also confirmed that appropriate action was being taken against the yobs. Clearly Derby Homes staff have yet to take the appropriate action.

Davide Gaucher tried to stop two hoodies stealing a neighbour's car and he was set alight. Davide was setting off for work at 5am when he spotted a hooded yob trying to force open a blue Peugeot in his street. He shouted "Oi, what are you doing?" and expected the villain to run off. But the thug snarled "What the fuck has it got to do with you?" and a fight broke out.

Davide continued, "Then out of nowhere this other guy came running up to my right side and put everything behind a punch to my head. He really lamped me. I just collapsed on to the floor. I was stunned. I was dizzy and things were flashing in my eyes, and he'd knocked two of my teeth clean out. As I lay on the floor they started kicking me and I knew I was going to take a pasting. I tried to sit up, and out of the corner of my eye I saw something flying towards me. It was freezing cold and knocked the breath out of me. I thought it was water."

But the cold liquid was petrol and the thugs ran off after setting their victim alight. Detective Inspector Will Chatterton said, "The level of violence was horrific and it is vital we catch these men." So they can be given 20 minutes community service. (Source: Sunday People, May/06)

Cambridgeshire Chief Constable Julie Spence has accused her officers of being “classist” because they treat a working-class teenager differently to a middle-class old lady. She has ordered staff to mind their manners when dealing with the public or risk giving the force a bad image.

Mrs Spence said, “If a working-class teenager starts swearing, an officer will sometimes use the same language back. However, the officer will treat a little old lady in a middle-class area in a nicer way. Officers go into situations using stereotypes. They treat people in a classist way. Those born on a housing estate will be treated differently to a middle-class lady. Officers lower themselves to the teenagers.”

Tory MP Philip Davies, who campaigns against political correctness, said, “A middle-class old lady is not usually terrorising the local environment. Mrs Spence has probably forgotten that officers put themselves in dangerous situations and rather than sticking up for the rights of these yobs, she should be sticking up for her officers.” (Source: Daily Express, Mar/08)

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