Cracking down on criminal behaviour this Anti-Social Behaviour Week

A photo of 6 Community Safety Enforcement Officers standing in front of some flats.
Monday 18 November 2024

This Anti-Social Behaviour Week (18 to 24 November), the Royal Borough of Greenwich is sharing how they have been cracking down on anti-social behaviour. 

Anti-social behaviour is defined as behaviour by a person which causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to someone who is not within their household. 

Last year, the council issued 5,903 fines, 483 related to anti-social behaviour in a public space under public space protection orders (PSPO). The most common reason was for anti-social driving, followed by alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in a public place. The council also completed 4,319 interventions related to anti-social behaviour. 

Below are some of the other ways in which the council have tackled anti-social behaviour over the past few months. 

In September, a property on Marine Drive in Woolwich was ordered to close after reoccurring incidents of anti-social and criminal behaviour, following a joint operation by the council and the Metropolitan Police. Back in May this year, a property in Plumstead was also ordered to close following reports of anti-social behaviour and drug activity. 

In April, following numerous noise complaints from residents, the council seized speakers, DJ decks and a TV from a restaurant and bar in Creek Road, Greenwich. The business owner was taken to court for refusing to work with the council to limit noise from their venue late at night.  

Cuckooing is an extreme form of anti-social behaviour. This is when a person or group use someone else's home as their base for the production or dealing of drugs. In May, an address which was being used for cuckooing was investigated by the council and police, which led to two arrests and the locks on the property being changed. Patrols will continue in the area to ensure the drug dealers do not re-occupy the address.

A council spokesperson said: “These cases are examples of the fantastic joint work between the council and police to crack down on anti-social behaviour over the past few months, ensuring everyone in Greenwich is safer, and feels safer. 

“Our officers can issue £100 on the spot fines, known as Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), to anyone engaging in anti-social behaviour in Greenwich, helping us tackle the problem locally. We encourage anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour to report it to the council or the police.” 

We are holding drop-in sessions at the following libraries this week, so pop by if you have any questions about how the council are cracking down on anti-social behaviour or need advice. 

  • Monday 18 November: Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ, 11am to 1.30pm
  • Tuesday 19 November: Eltham Centre Library, Archery Road, SE9 1HA, 11am to 1.30pm 
  • Thursday 21 November: Greenwich Centre Library, 12 Lambarde Square, SE10 9GB, 11am to 1.30pm 
  • Friday 22 November: Plumstead Centre Library, 232 Plumstead High Street, SE18 1 JL, 11am to 1.30pm 

To improve public safety across the borough, in 2023 the council launched five Safehaven Superhubs in local branches of McDonald’s:

  • Yorkshire Grey McDonald's in Middle Park 
  • Powis Street McDonald's in Woolwich 
  • Eltham McDonald's on Eltham High Street 
  • Cutty Sark McDonald's in Greenwich 
  • Thamesmead McDonald's. 

Residents can visit any of these locations where trained staff will be able to help them if they are outside and feel threatened, are in danger, are being harassed on the street, are unwell or just in need of some help.

Learn more about how to report anti-social behaviour