The Communicator - Swan Housing Association

swan.org.ukSwan servicesHate crime and graffitiZero tolerance to hate crimeAll graffiti is vandalism, it ruins thelook of our estates leading to a‘run down’ appearance and costsa fortune to remove. Latestestimates are that in the UK itcosts £1 billion a year to removegraffiti.When graffiti contains offensiveremarks based on prejudice or hatredof people or groups the effects areeven worse, as those targeted feelisolated, scared and unsafe. A personcould be targeted because of their: Disability Race or ethnic identity Religion/belief Gender or gender identity Sexual orientation Age Immigration status or nationalityIf you have been the victim of hatecrime please report it to yourNeighbourhood Officer who is thereto support you.How do I report graffiti?If you spot any graffiti on Swan estates or buildings please ring Estate Services on01277 315225. If the graffiti is offensive then it will be removed within 24 hours.If the graffiti is not on a Swan estate or building e.g. on a lamp post or Councilbuilding, please ring your local Council who will also remove it.Swift action on Anti-Social Behaviour“The injunction is the outcome of really good partnership workingbetween Swan and Essex Police and it shows that we are both willing andable to take action against those individuals who threaten others.”Commented by a local Police OfficerSwan acted swiftly to provideprotection and reassurance to atenant who had been threatened.Threats had been made to firebomb her house and tophysically attack her family.Swan provided additionalsecurity to the property thatevening, including a fireprotected letterbox and withinfour days had obtained anEmergency Injunction excludingthe individual making thesethreats from entering numerousstreets in the area where ourtenant lived.Six weeks later the court awardedthe perpetrator a one yearexclusion injunction, with the powerof arrest if this is breached.“Swan were really helpful and Ifelt supported throughout thewhole process, I think that eventhough it was quite scary it wasworth it as the injunction isworking, I would recommendothers who are having similarissues to consider going downthis route.”Tenant13