Partnership’s positive action reduces anti-social behaviour and makes our communities safer

Partnership's positive action reduces anti-social behaviour and makes our communities safer

The South and Vale Community Safety Partnership (CSP) has released its 2024-25 performance update, showcasing how coordinated action between councils, Thames Valley Police, housing associations, health services and local organisations is keeping residents safe and reducing anti-social behaviour (ASB).

In 2024-25 the CSP's Community Safety team received and investigated 126 reports of anti-social behaviours across both districts. By working closely with local partners, the team resolved issues before they escalated.

• Motorbikes in play park stopped: When residents reported dangerous motorbike riding in a children's play area, the CSP coordinated police patrols, signage, and secured access points. Youth workers engaged directly with riders. Incidents ceased and the resident who raised the issue praised the "notable decrease" in activity.
• Positive resolution to neighbour dispute: A long-running boundary dispute escalated into threats. The CSP issued advisory letters, connected both parties to mediation and involved police. These actions helped to resolve the dispute and restore calm.

Partnership funding enabled youth organisations like Didcot TRAIN and Abingdon Bridge to deliver targeted outreach, safe spaces and workshops, reducing young people's risk of involvement in anti-social behaviour.

• Diverting young people from ASB: A TRAIN youth worker invited young people involved in anti-social behaviour to attend a youth club session instead. They accepted, defusing the situation and building trust.
• Summer of Skate: Alongside ATB Skate Shop, the Partnership organised18 skate park sessions with engaged up to 30 young people attending each event, boosting confidence and mental health. As a result, parents reported positive impacts on their children's wellbeing and behaviour.

Protecting the vulnerable - modern slavery and exploitation

Through the Oxfordshire Modern Slavery & Exploitation Coordinator (OMSEC), 36 cases of potential exploitation were referred in South and Vale last year, identifying 162 potential victims. 14 plans were implemented, removing victims from exploitative situations and taking enforcement action.

• Elderly victims rescued: Several older individuals exploited for over a decade were rescued, rehoused and supported to live safely and independently.
• Supporting young people into adulthood: An individual whose exploitation began in childhood was safeguarded and is now rebuilding their independence with specialist support.

Safer Public Spaces

Environmental Visual Audits (EVAs) in Didcot Broadway and Abingdon led to practical improvements like better fencing, signage, waste clearance and increased patrols. Youth ASB reports at Didcot Broadway fell to zero following the intervention.

The CSP's Safe Places Scheme now includes 108 venues across both districts, offering havens for vulnerable people who feel threatened or distressed.

Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: "This report shows the real power of partnership working. By bringing together councils, police, health services and community organisations, we are tackling anti-social behaviour, protecting vulnerable residents and making South and Vale safer places to live."

"Prevention is at the heart of everything we do. From skate park sessions to targeted youth outreach, we are giving young people positive alternatives, building their confidence and helping them make choices that benefit both themselves and their communities."

Cllr Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: "Our work to combat exploitation and modern slavery shows that no one should have to suffer in silence. Through our coordinated response, victims are being identified earlier, perpetrators disrupted, and lives transformed."

"This is about real outcomes, not just statistics. Neighbour disputes resolved, young people diverted from risky behaviour, and vulnerable residents supported in moments of crisis - these are the differences our partnership makes every day."

For more information on the South and Vale CSP and how to report concerns, visit:

• southoxon.gov.uk/communitysafety
• whitehorsedc.gov.uk/communitysafety