Posted 13/01/2023

ASB team returns peace to community

A community has been relieved of noise and disruption thanks to the perseverance and dedication of our Anti-Social Behaviour team.

A disruptive tenant who was making his neighbours’ lives miserable was removed after Anti-Social Behaviour Officer, Steve Mensah, successfully obtained a closure order followed by a possession order. Steve had received many complaints from neighbours, which started in 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

The frequent complaints relating to loud parties, lockdown breaches and the use of both Class A and B drugs in the property led to the involvement of the Metropolitan Police.

Steve said: “Despite the involvement of the police, the tenant continued to have parties and take drugs with his guests. Further complaints ensued which resulted in myself and the local safer neighbourhood team conducting a joint visit at the property and giving him stern words of advice.”

But this advice was ignored and the complaints continued, with the tenant’s behaviour escalating further to threats of violence against his neighbours.

Steve added: “I worked closely with the local policing team and obtained a three-month full closure order on the property in September 2021. This was breached and the tenant was re-arrested. I then served the tenant with a Notice of Seeking Possession (NOSP) and worked alongside Havering Council to get him temporary accommodation to safeguard him, as he had previously been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

“I worked closely with the residents and provided reassurance to them in the meantime, and took statements from them before eventually gaining the possession order in April 2022”

Steve’s actions resulted in the tenant being removed from the property permanently and peace being restored to the neighbourhood.

If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour, our dedicated team is here to support you. Call 0300 303 2500 or email ASB@swan.org.uk to speak to a member of the team.
To report an incident outside of office hours please call 0800 075 6699