We take a very serious view of crime and anti-social behaviour and will work with you and other agencies to take whatever action we can to prevent and reduce such incidents taking place. To help us we need the help and cooperation of local people. It is very important that you report incidents to us as well as the police and Mayfair Guardian. You can tell us by:

• phoning the Garth
• phoning or emailing your Housing Management Officer
• completing an incident report form, available from here or get one from your residents association, neighbourhood watch coordinator, The Garth and Folk Hall
• reporting the incident to your estate caretaker or scheme manager

You need to be able to tell us what happened and whenand the names of the people involved, if you know them. If Mayfair patrols operate in your area, report the incident whilst it is taking place.

Don't assume that somebody else has told the police or us about an incident. It is better that we get several reports about an incident than none. If an incident happens when The Garth is closed call the police and then tell us as soon as the office is open or email the details.

Once we receive a report we will write to the people concerned and/or their parents/carers asking them to come and see us. If they do not reply we will write again and follow the allegation up.

Our responsibility is to enforce the conditions of a tenancy or lease. There are legal processes that we have to follow to be able to demonstrate to the courts that we have acted fairly and reasonably. This means that we are limited in the action we can take, especially if we and/or the police do not have sufficient evidence.

What we can do is issue an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC). These are voluntary agreements between us, the police and a resident or their children. Breaking an ABC is not a ground for eviction in its own right but will strengthen our legal case in applying to court for a possession hearing for breach of tenancy.

If you are concerned about reporting an incident we can help. We have a policy for supporting witnesses which gives information on what we and the police can do to support you as a witness.

Community policing

All Community Police Officers (ward managers) are based with the Safer York Partnership in Clifford Street. Officers are dedicated to specific wards.
Whilst they don't deal with individual incidents, these officers work with us, and you, to try and solve long term problems. If you have any information about those involved in crime or anti-social behaviour you can contact your ward manager at York Centre for Safer Communities, Lower Friargate, York YOI 9SL.
Details of community policing in Huntington and New Earswick are also accessible on, www.communigate.co.uk/york/huntingtonnewearswickbeatnews

Neighbourhood Watch
Neighbourhood Watch is an effective way of reporting and monitoring crime in local communities. Schemes are supported by a coordinator at City of York Council and we support the development of new schemes. If you would like a new scheme in your area contact us.

Mayfair Guardian Security
Mayfair Guardian Patrols operate in: New Earswick, Woodlands, Huntington (Victoria/Geldof), James Backhouse Place and Holgate Park.
You can report incidents directly to Mayfair on 0800 783 7537 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you know who was involved don't forget to tell the police and us.You can email a report to us.

CCTV (New Earswick only)
Two sets of cameras operate in the village - behind the swimming pool and opposite the shops on Hawthorn Terrace. If you are aware of an incident taking place ring ITV4 Freephone Number 0808 1000101 please tell them you are phoning from New Earswick.
Please also tell us so we can arrange for the footage to be viewed.