An effective problem-solving policing approach has led to a prolonged reduction in antisocial behaviour at a block of flats in St Ann’s – with reports falling by 92 per cent.
Nottinghamshire Police has been listening to the concerns of residents at Wainwright House and has implemented measures to reduce criminal activity in the surrounding area.
Concerns included young people and the homeless trespassing at the premises and intimidating residents, criminal damage to doors and hallways, fire alarms being activated, theft, and drug use.
From May 2024 to July 2025, Nottinghamshire Police received 69 reports about criminal damage, antisocial behaviour, and drug dealing in the area.
Neighbourhood officers from the city south team, which covers St Ann’s, implemented a problem-management plan, which is used by police to analyse a recurring issue and achieve the best possible outcome for communities.
Working in partnership with Nottingham City Council and PA Housing, a full closure order of Flat 12 and a partial closure order of Flat 5 were secured after complaints from vulnerable residents.
The closure orders were granted at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court in July after an application was submitted by neighbourhood officers.
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The orders will last for three months. If an individual breaches the order, they will be committing a criminal offence and are liable to imprisonment and/or a fine.
Since the plan was implemented and closure orders were secured, just five unrelated calls have been received – a decrease of 92 per cent.
As part of the response, proactive high-visibility patrols were increased in the area to help reassure residents and deter offending.
Two young people identified as causing issues around the building were made subject to Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs).
The contract outlines specific antisocial behaviour that an individual agrees to stop and may also include requirements to address underlying causes.
If breached, it can be used as evidence to illustrate that further enforcement action is needed.
Safeguarding referrals have also been made for some vulnerable residents, who now have additional appropriate support in place.
Neighbourhood officers conducted door-to-door enquiries and arranged residents’ meetings to offer reassurance to occupants and resolve concerns.
Problematic guests were identified, and witness evidence was obtained with the support of PA Housing and Nottingham City Council to secure the closure orders.
A dedicated on-site office is also being created to make it easier for residents with mobility issues, who would otherwise struggle to attend a police station, to be able to speak with police officers in confidence.
Neighbourhood officers placed problem-solving at the centre of their continued efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour and minimise the risk of harm to residents.
This has been an instrumental factor behind the significant reduction in ASB-related calls, to help create a safer community in St Ann’s.
Analysts have also produced a detailed report of specific incident times, which has helped inform an increase in targeted patrols to deter antisocial behaviour and address hotspot areas.
An assessment of the building has also been carried out by specialist crime prevention officers to identify vulnerable areas and recommend new security measures.
This can include expert advice to improve lighting, fencing, and CCTV to make it harder for criminals to operate.
PCSO Michelle Kent, of Nottinghamshire Police’s city south neighbourhood policing team, said: “We know the toll that antisocial behaviour can have on our communities and take these concerns seriously.
“It’s encouraging that our problem-solving approach in St Ann’s is proving effective and has led to significant reductions in crime.
“We remain committed to continue doing everything we can to improve outcomes for residents and protect communities from the harm associated with antisocial behaviour.
“This includes working in partnership with other agencies, such as councils and housing associations, and using all powers at our disposal to reduce criminality.
“I would encourage residents to report all instances of antisocial behaviour to Nottinghamshire Police as this helps identify areas of concern and allows officers to attend incidents at the earliest opportunity.”
Emma Conlon, director of tenancy management at PA Housing, said: “We take reports of antisocial behaviour extremely seriously and will take action to tackle it and prevent it impacting other residents, or members of the local community.
“A key part of this is working closely with partner agencies and our strong, and longstanding, relationship with the local policing team in Nottingham has helped us to take firm action against the perpetrators to achieve this outcome.”
