Shirley North

Shirley North ward priority Drug related ASB

Drug related anti-social behaviour has been identified as a key concern within the Parkfields and Freshfields areas of Shirley North. Reports from residents highlight groups congregating within and around the park, particularly during late afternoons, early evenings and at weekends, resulting in concerns around suspected drug use, drug dealing, associated nuisance behaviour and the impact on community safety.

High visibility patrols have been conducted in the affected area and will continue with the use of stop and search powers where grounds exist.
There will also be consideration for community protection warnings and notices to be issued to those who persistently cause ASB within the area.
Engagement with residents has also been completed to offer reassurance and highlight police presence within the area.

Ward Priority: Community Reassurance and Visible Policing

Residents have highlighted concerns regarding a lack of visible policing in areas of Shirley North that do not traditionally experience high levels of crime or anti-social behaviour. Whilst policing resources are often directed towards identified hotspot locations, it is important that all parts of the ward receive regular police engagement and reassurance patrols to maintain public confidence, deter criminality and strengthen community relationships.

The ward panel agreed on the priority to be an increase to police visibility and community engagement across all areas of Shirley North, ensuring residents feel reassured, connected to local policing and confident in reporting concerns.

The team will seek to:
- Conduct regular high-visibility patrols across residential roads and areas that are not typically identified as crime hotspots.
- Engage proactively with residents during patrols to understand local concerns and provide crime prevention advice.
- Attend local community events and meetings where appropriate to strengthen relationships with residents.
- Identify emerging issues at an early stage through regular engagement and problem-solving.
- Promote reporting methods and encourage residents to share information about concerns affecting their neighbourhoods.

Shoplifting

Following an increase in recorded shoplifting offences and some good positive work from the team, the ward panel were keen to maintain the work by adding it as one of the priorities. It has been discussed as a ward priority at every ward panel since and the community concern survey highlights that shoplifting is a priority for residents of the ward

The team have been working with BP Shirley Road to tackle prolific shoplifting in the area and we will be continuing this work along with stores along Wickham Road such as the Co-op who have been similarly targeted by offenders. We will be working with local business to catch prolific shoplifters on the ward.