Neighbours who complain three times about antisocial behaviour in their community will prompt police to launch an action plan under a new pilot scheme.


Richmond police, Richmond Council and Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) began a community trigger initiative on Friday, August 17, in a bid to ensure they provide an adequate response to residents’ concerns.


It comes after people living near the award-winning Terrace Gardens, in Petersham Road, Richmond, claimed the authorities had failed to take action against groups of up to 100 youths who gather there at night.


Some neighbours have put up with the problem for more than 10 years, but the police said they had not been aware of the issue until last month. 


The relevant agencies will now meet and launch an action plan if a person has submitted three complaints within six months to their landlord, the police or the council and was still not satisfied with the response.

The authorities will also respond in the same way if five separate people contacted them about the same concern.


Acting Chief Inspector Hannah Wheeler, of Richmond police, said: “Tackling antisocial behaviour is one of our main priorities for the coming year as we all know the negative impact that it can have on communities. Therefore we welcome the decision to pilot the community trigger scheme in Richmond.


“The development of the community trigger will enable us to build on the significant progress that has already been made. We hope that it will allow us to further evaluate our collective response to antisocial behaviour and to focus more on repeat and vulnerable victims.”


The Home Office has chosen Richmond as one of four areas to pilot the scheme.


The authorities will personally respond to anyone whose complaints triggered an action plan and will explain how the problem will be tackled.


Ian Whiteway, head of antisocial behaviour at RHP, said: “RHP’s strong infrastructure and partnerships with Richmond Council and the Metropolitan Police ensure that any reported antisocial behaviour is dealt with efficiently, however this pilot will help us guarantee that every single person who reports antisocial behaviour in the borough will be responded to.”


To make a complaint about antisocial behaviour, call Richmond Council on 020 8891 7777, or visit richmond.gov.uk/community_trigger.