Shirley South

Anti-Social Behaviour and Community Concerns – The Shrublands
The Shrublands area has been identified as a priority due to ongoing reports of anti-social behaviour affecting residents' quality of life. Concerns include neighbour disputes causing repeated demands on services, abandoned vehicles creating environmental and safety issues, and suspected drug use in public areas. These issues can negatively impact residents' sense of safety and community cohesion.

The team will:
- Conduct targeted high-visibility patrols in identified locations affected by ASB.
- Work with partner agencies to address abandoned vehicles and environmental concerns.
- Engage with residents involved in ongoing neighbour disputes and provide appropriate support and signposting.
- Gather intelligence regarding suspected drug use and associated anti-social behaviour.
- Utilise appropriate enforcement powers and interventions where necessary to address persistent offenders.
- Encourage residents to report incidents to support evidence gathering and long-term problem-solving.

We will also continue to hold contact sessions at the Children's Centre and will look to hold further meetings there and at the community centre where the residents can discuss any issues they have with their local officers

Speeding
Residents have raised concerns regarding vehicles travelling at excessive speeds on roads within Shirley South. Speeding can increase the risk of road traffic collisions, reduce residents' sense of safety, and negatively impact pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. Addressing these concerns through enforcement, education and engagement will help improve road safety across the ward.
The particular roads mentioned were Bridle Road and Shirley Church Road

The team will look to:
- Conduct regular speed enforcement and monitoring at locations identified through community concerns and available data.
- Carry out high-visibility patrols to deter speeding and promote safer driving behaviours.

Motor Vehicle Crime Priority
Despite a 9% year‑on‑year reduction in vehicle crime across the wider area, the issue remains clearly prevalent within Shirley South, with 88 offences recorded in the last 12 months. This is not only reflected in the crime data but is strongly echoed through community sentiment. Residents have repeatedly identified vehicle crime as their number one local priority via MetEngage, and this is reinforced further through direct conversations with community groups and neighbourhood associations.

A review of the crime patterns indicates that the majority of offences occur overnight, suggesting offenders are exploiting periods of reduced natural surveillance. This pattern aligns with existing operational activity, creating an opportunity for the Shirley South SNT to support and integrate with ongoing operations.
The team will also seek to conduct street briefings in roads where there is repeat victimisation, with target hardening guidance to be given to all, as well as conduct reassurance visits to those victim of motor vehicle crime. We will also utilise MetEngage to provide crime prevention advice, and updates on any relevant activity.