Helping sort out anti social behaviour

Alleygates

In the Castle area of Carlisle the issue of anti-social behaviour has been frequently raised with City and County councillors. After a discussion at a neighbourhood forum meeting the City Council was asked to dismantle a shack that was being used by young people for drug-taking and the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership began a project to install alleygates in various parts of the area. 

Alley gating restricts access to the rear of homes in order to prevent crime being carried out. Alley gating isn’t a new concept and it is believed that many alleys were gated prior to the Second World War. The gates and railings were removed for the war effort but were never replaced, as open alleys did not then pose a security problem. Nowadays, the design and layout of older properties play a major role in increasing the opportunities for criminal behaviour.

A questionnaire was sent out to all residents. A return of 75% was generated. This was followed by a public meeting to assess support for the project.   The neighbourhood forum meeting brought together officers and elected members from the county and city councils, Carlisle Housing Association, the Police, Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and local residents.   The problems have not been solved but the Forum has provided a venue to air views, for discussion and plans for action. Other alleygate projects are being supported by the neighbourhood forums in different areas of Carlisle and Barrow.

Alleygating has the potential to impact on almost all aspects of crime, fear of crime and other forms of anti-social behaviour, for example:

• Without access, usage of the alleyways as toilets is limited, together combating Health and Safety issues
• Without access, the opportunity for ‘fly-tipping’ is restricted
• Without access, dogs will not be able to foul or rip open bin bags
• Alleyways can become a secure compound for residents vehicles, (with agreement of all residents)
• Without access, vehicle crime is significantly reduced if the above is adopted
• Thieves will not be able to use this as a Rat-Run to evade apprehension or hide stolen property for collection at a later date
• Drivers will not be able to use alleyways as ‘Rat-Runs’, safeguarding children who use the alleyway to play
• People of all ages cannot indulge in alcohol or drug abuse in alleyways, therefore, no associated articles of drug misuse, empty alcohol cans/bottles or excess litter is created
• Without access children/youths cannot start any rubbish fires
• People who embark in all forms of street crime, will not be able to pounce on, or drag their victims into the alley.