Taking tough action against those who break the law is part of the Council’s services to residents. Some of the areas where we can take action are listed below - but we need your help too.
The crackdown on troublemakers has well and truly started with the Council working with agencies such as the police and 1066 Housing to exchange information in order to build strong cases against troublemakers.
Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) are designed to deal with those who persistently cause harassment, alarm and distress to others through their behaviour and conduct. ASBOs act very much like an injunction and can be imposed on anyone over the age of 10 - if the individual continues to behave in an unacceptable manner, they could face a sentence of up to five years imprisonment.
The Street Wardens have played a key part in the Council’s first ever prosecution for anti social behaviour, leading to a maximum 5 year ASBO (Anti-Social Behaviour Order) being served.
Mr Ray Wells, of Southwater Road has been issued with a maximum 5 year Anti- Social Behaviour Order, which if broken, could lead to a prison sentence.
Mr Wells was first brought to the Street Wardens’ attention in May this year. The Wardens spoke to him about his behaviour on that day. Later, at a residents’ meeting, several people mentioned that he was harrassing and intimidating people in that area.
The Street Wardens began to collect evidence about his behaviour, including numerous complaints about and incidents of drunkeness, shouting, foul and abusive language and playing loud music.
All this information was presented to the ASBO panel, which makes sure that a case is strong enough to stand up in court. It was decided that more evidence was needed and so statements were collected from more than twenty people.
Councillor Jay Kramer, Cabinet Member responsible for Community Safety, said:
"ASBOs provide the opportunity to take action against persistent offenders and can result in a restraining order being served on a person for a minimum of two years and and a maximum of five years. If this order is breached, it can result in a prison term between 6 months and five years."
"Working closely with the Police, the Council organises a monthly panel to assess cases where there have been complaints of anti-social behaviour."
You can report Anti Social Behaviour by calling 0800 783 6084 and your call will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Grotbusters are continuing to target the owners of eyesore buildings - sending out warning letters and later legal notices which require owners to do up their properties or face prosecution.
So far a total of 120 buildings have been improved since the scheme began in June 2000. The Council also has a 100% record of successful prosecutions - 5 out of 5.
You can contact the Planning Enforcement Team on 783255
Housing benefit fraud is an ongoing problem and there is now a dedicated team who look at cases to ensure that those claiming benefit are genuine.
So far, eight successful prosecutions totalling £97,000 have been carried out since April 2002.
If you have reason to believe someone is wrongly claiming benefits, contact the Housing Benefits Helpline on 781900.
The Dog Wardens continue to patrol the town and their evidence has led to 12 prosecutions against owners who failed to keep their pets on leads and clean up after them.
They also target hot spots - as requested by residents.
You can contact the Dog Wardens on 781338
Since the Council took over DVLA powers to remove abandoned and untaxed cars in November, over 1000 cars have been taken from the streets.
Hastings is just one of two Boroughs outside London to take over these powers and the scheme is already proving to be a complete success. It is hoped that by the end of the year, cars will be clamped and removed within 48 hours of them being reported.
If you want to report an abandoned or untaxed car you can call the Council on 783372 or email abandoneduntaxedvehicles@hastings.gov.uk
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This page last updated: 04/04/2003