ASBIT launches in Rugby!
Firefighters in Rugby are aiming to make communities safer with the launch of their Anti-Social Behaviour Intervention Teams (ASBIT).
The project is being run by Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service in partnership with Warwickshire Police. The aim of the project is to tackle anti-social behaviour in relation to small fire setting by working with communities to stop these types of fires happening in the first place.
Throughout the summer ASBIT teams will patrol local hot spot areas from Rugby fire station. During that time the team will be positively engaging with young people in an attempt to reduce the occurrence of nuisance small fires and general criminal activity.
Watch Manager, Keith McDermott said: “During the holiday the ASBIT teams, which include one Firefighter, a Police Community Support Officer and a Community Safety Warden will be patrolling local communities to provide guidance and reassurance to residents, driving home the message that nuisance fires should not be tolerated.
"The team hope that by working with communities and persistent fire setters, they can have a positive effect on small fire setting and anti-social behaviour. “
Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, Councillor Richard Hobbs said: “ASBIT has already been successful in Nuneaton and Bedworth and I hope that will now extend to communities in Rugby.
"The teams will be working with local residents to tackle the issues they face and I hope that this will have a positive impact on both the young people and communities involved.”