Islington anti-social behaviour line takes nearly 12,000 calls in first year

The line was set up last February to make it easier for members of the public to report anti-social behaviour in their area.

And despite an embarrassing data leak from Islington Council at the beginning of the project – in which it gave the details of 51 people to the suspected drug dealers on the Andover Estate, Holloway, they reported on the line – the hotline has gone on to earn multiple success stories.

Anti-social behaviour covers a range of disturbances from noise and graffiti, to dog fouling and street drinking.

Many complaints surround noise and night-time disruption, especially around City Road and Upper Street. And following hotline calls, pubs in Archway, Canonbury, Caledonian Road and Holloway Road have been served with orders and entertainment hours have been cut.

In Pedlars Walk, Holloway, a court order allowed officers to confiscate stereo equipment after numerous complaints of loud music from neighbours.

Elsewhere, outreach teams have responded to reports of young people drinking and fighting in the Six Acres Estate in Finsbury Park and increased patrols in the area. Most recently, a call earlier this week led to arrests after eggs and other objects were thrown at passers-by in George’s Road, Holloway.

When the line was launched Cllr Terry Stacy, leader of the Lib Dem opposition, condemned Labour for spending £215,000 a year on the new phone line. According to these figures, each call this year would have cost £18.

Speaking to the Gazette a year on, Cllr Stacy said: “They are impressive numbers, but what do they do with these calls and how many calls does it take for the council to take action? I don’t think there’s been 12,000 pieces of action taken.”

Calls should get a response within 24 hours and officers are able to make visits between 4pm and 2am Sunday to Thursday and 5pm to 4am Friday and Saturday. To report anti-social behaviour, call the hotline on 020 7527 7272.