Hafod helps create safer neighbourhoods
Hafod has helped develop a partnership with police to create safer neighbourhoods in Torfaen. Six of Torfaen's registered social landlords and Torfaen County Borough Council, have developed a protocol with Gwent Police to create safer neighbourhoods in the county.
Melin Homes, Bron Afon Community Housing, Torfaen County Borough Council, Hafod Housing, Linc Cymru and the Seren Group will work closely with the neighbourhood policing team in Torfaen to tackle a range of anti-social issues.
The partnership will involve frontline housing staff working closely with local police and PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers), Torfaen Community Safety partnership and other key agencies.
This will result in improved communication and more effective partnership working.
Initiatives will also include information sharing and evidence gathering which will enable the landlords to enforce tenancy agreements more effectively.
High profile activities such as joint community walkabouts will build increased trust and relationships with residents therefore providing reassurance that community safety is a priority. This trust is vital as residents are often called upon to provide evidence in anti-social behaviour cases.
Meetings will be held to ensure crime data is collected, reviewed and acted upon and initiatives aimed at tackling local crime and disorder issues are developed, co-ordinated and evaluated.
Mark Gardner, Chief Executive of Melin Homes speaking on behalf of the landlords operating in Torfaen, explained the reason for the protocol.
He said: "As landlords we are often faced with anti-social behaviour within our communities. The negative actions of just a few residents can have a massive impact on those living in the area which is totally unacceptable. By pooling resources and sharing information we can tackle issues quickly and effectively for the benefit of our residents and the wider communities where we have homes."
Superintendent Peter Keen, Head of Neighbourhood Policing and Partnerships in Torfaen added:
"This protocol will cement the excellent working relationship we already share with our social landlord partners. It will also enable us to assist people, whose quality of life is adversely affected by a small minority of individuals who behave in an anti-social manner"
