Operation Eternity is the name given in the West Midlands to a Home Office-funded pilot project. The West Midlands is one of 10 force areas piloting extra patrols and other partnership activities.
This follows the Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands securing an extra £1 million from the Home Office, to clamp down on anti-social behaviour at various locations in the region.
The aims of the operation are that those engaging in ASB are not just presented with enforcement, but with a genuine desire to identify underlying causes and divert them into wider support provision.
The types of anti-social behaviour we are focussed on in Great Bridge, which is one of the areas in the region benefiting from the extra investment, are:
- Fly tipping.
- Drug dealing/use/littering.
- Rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour
- Intimidation or harassment
- Criminal damage/vandalism
- Motor/quad bikes (used in an anti-social manner) in public spaces.
Extra police patrols have now started, and the council’s youth services have also recently started delivering engagement sessions in the selected areas. In addition, 2 x new ASB Officers will start work soon in patrolling the areas and engaging with businesses and communities. We are also focussing on engagement with those responsible for ASB in an effort to divert potential criminal behaviour. Alongside this, we are strengthening our existing good working relationships with partners.