Urgent Action: Newark Residents Must Report Antisocial Behavior Now

UPDATE: Residents in Newark are being urgently called to report antisocial behavior directly to the council instead of posting on social media. This initiative aims to build a robust evidence base to tackle the issue effectively, as authorities ramp up enforcement actions against troubling behavior.

In the past three months, the Newark and Sherwood District Council has initiated 42 enforcement actions targeting young individuals. These actions range from advisory letters warning about future behavior to Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs), which formally commit individuals not to engage in further antisocial activities. Breaches of these contracts could lead to serious legal consequences, including injunctions that could restrict access to key areas like town centers and parks.

Councillor Paul Taylor, responsible for Public Protection and Community Relations, emphasized the importance of direct reporting: “While the vast majority of our young people play a positive role in our communities, a minority choose not to. Reporting incidents directly to us is crucial for effective action.” He highlighted that relying solely on social media limits their evidence collection capabilities.

The council is actively working with local police to combat this pressing issue. Recent measures include a closure order prohibiting public access to specific properties, six pending injunctions against further antisocial behavior, and four Fixed Penalty Notices issued for street drinking. The council’s CCTV network also plays a vital role in capturing evidence when provided with accurate reports on times and locations of incidents.

Inspector Charlotte Ellam, district commander for Newark and Sherwood, stated, “Combating antisocial behavior is always at the forefront of our neighborhood policing team.” She acknowledged the ongoing issues in Newark and reassured residents that the police are collaborating closely with the council to mitigate these problems in the town center and beyond. This proactive approach has already resulted in a 15% reduction in antisocial behavior over the past year.

Residents are reminded to utilize the council’s online reporting system to log any incidents of antisocial behavior they witness. This direct action will aid in promptly identifying offenders and implementing necessary interventions.

The urgency of this message cannot be overstated: reporting antisocial behavior is not just a suggestion—it is a critical action that can lead to meaningful change in the community. Together, by working through the proper channels, residents can contribute to a safer environment for everyone.