STOURBRIDGE: Attacks by yobs die down

Attacks by yobs die down

Yob attacks which left residents in two Black Country streets afraid to go out at night have died down after police increased patrols and installed a camera.

In Cameo Drive and Dennis Street, Amblecote, Stourbridge, they stole and damaged cars, sprayed graffiti and shouted abuse.

Residents were so concerned they demanded a meeting with Dudley Council and police to find measures to tackle problems.

Police increased patrols at night and community support officers also stage regular visits to the streets.

A camera was also installed in the street last week to monitor any activity so that police are able to respond quickly to any trouble.

The yob attacks started in February.

Residents also claimed to have seen sexual activities taking place out in the open and say dog excrement thrown around and at homes.

In one attack, a stone was thrown at a car, smashing the back window and sending pieces of glass into the vehicle and on to a child seat.
One resident, who did not wish to be named, said the increased patrols had made a difference and hopes were high the camera would also be effective.

“Compared to what it was like just a couple of months ago this is a real difference and the number of incidents have dropped,” he said.

“It is a lot better and it goes to show what can be achieved when the community works together.

“It makes a change from the apathy which seems so prevalent these days.”

Councillor Pat Martin, who took up the problem for residents, said that she was pleased to hear the attacks had subsided.

“I have been contacted by residents in these streets to say how the situation has changed,” she said.

“Residents in these streets were at the end of their tether after weeks of serious attacks and now they have their quality of life back,” she said.

“It is an extremely good result and will make a real difference to the lives of many people living in the streets.”

http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/2007/08/08/attacks-by-yobs-die-down/