BVT continues partnership work to tackle anti-social behaviour in Lightmoor Village

Bournville Village Trust (BVT) is continuing to work closely with West Mercia Police to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and help keep Lightmoor Village a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

Following recent incidents, including arson at Squatters Cottage and criminal damage to the historic barns, BVT’s Estates & Stewardship team met with local police to discuss the latest developments and agree how we can continue working together to prevent further incidents. The meeting brought together Rebecca Thomas, Safer Neighbourhood Team Inspector, Sergeant Matt Corfield, Fleur Hemming, Lightmoor Village Estates & Stewardship Manager, Darren Helwig, Estate Officer, and Donna Charway, Customer Communications Officer.

Taking action together

The meeting provided a positive update on the work already taking place.

Police confirmed they have identified and spoken to several young people in connection with recent incidents. The formal anti-social behaviour process has now begun, starting with ASB warning letters where appropriate.

Looking ahead, BVT will also be working with West Mercia Police’s Prevention and Diversion Youth Worker to explore opportunities to engage with young people and help prevent anti-social behaviour before it occurs. This preventative approach complements enforcement activity and aims to provide positive alternatives for young people within the community.

The importance of reporting incidents

One of the key messages from the meeting was that every report made by residents helps. Police explained that local policing resources are allocated using reported incidents and evidence. This means that even if an incident appears minor, reporting it helps officers build an accurate picture of what is happening in the area, identify patterns of behaviour and deploy resources where they are needed most.

Residents are encouraged to report:

Serious incidents by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. Lower-level anti-social behaviour through 101 or West Mercia Police’s online reporting service.

Where there are persistent issues in a particular location, police can consider additional enforcement powers, including 48-hour dispersal orders, which allow officers to direct individuals away from an area to help prevent harassment, distress, crime or public disorder.

Meet your local policing team

Residents will also have the opportunity to meet members of the Safer Neighbourhood Team at this Saturday’s Love Parks Fun Day. Officers will be available to speak with residents and help people sign up to Neighbourhood Matters – West Mercia Police’s free messaging service. Subscribers receive updates about crime in their area, ongoing incidents, crime prevention advice and information about the work being carried out by their local policing team.

A shared commitment to our community

Keeping Lightmoor Village a safe place to live is something that BVT, West Mercia Police and residents all play an important role in. We would like to thank everyone who continues to report concerns and support our community. By working together, sharing information and acting quickly when issues arise, we can help protect our green spaces, heritage assets and neighbourhood for everyone to enjoy.

If you witness anti-social behaviour, please report it directly to West Mercia Police using their online reporting form or by calling 101. Report anti-social behaviour online: https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/