Dudley Council is set to implement new measures aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour, including the use of drones to monitor illegal off-road biking. The council will discuss these initiatives in a meeting scheduled for December 10, 2023. The proposed policies reflect an aggressive approach to enhance community safety and improve quality of life in the borough.
Among the strategies outlined is the deployment of drones designed to track and identify individuals using off-road bikes. Cllr Patrick Harley, the council’s leader, emphasized the challenges local authorities face in addressing this issue. He stated, “Off-road bikes are an absolute bane on people’s lives. Police can’t chase them, council officers can’t chase them, so we are going to use some of the money we have saved over the last two years to purchase some drones.”
Enhanced Surveillance and Command Centres
The council plans to establish a mobile command centre in areas identified as hotspots for anti-social behaviour. This initiative aims to deter potential offenders and serves as a visible presence in troubled neighbourhoods. Cllr Harley expressed optimism about the impact of this approach, noting that it may help to reduce incidents of disruptive behaviour.
In addition to the command centre, the council intends to utilize covert surveillance equipment within unmarked vehicles. This strategy is expected to enhance the council’s ability to monitor problematic areas more effectively. Cllr Harley mentioned, “We can purchase a cheaper mobile unit, we can park that where we have had lots of fly-tipping, for instance.”
The council’s focus also extends to addressing issues with nuisance neighbours. New resources will be allocated to anti-social behaviour teams to build stronger court cases, enabling the council to exercise its authority in housing matters. Cllr Harley stated, “On those extreme cases, we can permanently exclude them from either bidding on a council property or residing in one.”
Under the proposed policy changes, the qualification period for social housing eligibility will increase from three years to potentially seven or even ten years. This adjustment aims to ensure that properties are allocated to those with a more established connection to the community.
Dudley Council’s initiatives reflect a growing commitment to combat anti-social behaviour through innovative and technology-driven solutions. As the council prepares to discuss these plans, residents are hopeful that the proposed measures will lead to a safer and more harmonious community.
