A voice for victims

CHAMPION . . . Shupee Syeda Begum will be sticking up for the victims of anti-social behaviour

Making a stand against anti-social behaviour: Shupee ‘helping people carry on with their lives’

A NEW victims’ champion will fight to end the blight of anti-social behaviour for Oldhamers whose lives are made a misery.

Shupee Syeda Begum has been unveiled as a one-woman taskforce offering practical help and reassurance to residents taking a stand against nuisance crime.

Anti-social behaviour has become a serious concern with a survey last year revealing that 30 per cent of people in Oldham think it is a problem in their community.

Based at Oldham Victim Support, Shupee will work with residents who have regularly put up with anti-social behaviour and who may feel unsafe or worried about reprisals as a result.

Her role is to speak out for victims and represent their needs to the police and council to ensure that those who most need help get it.

The post has been funded by the Home Office as part of the national Justice Seen Justice Done campaign.

Oldham Council, Greater Manchester Police and Victim Support developed the role as part of a plan to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve residents’ quality of life.

Shupee comes to Oldham from Stockport, where she worked in crime prevention for Stockport Victim Support. She was particularly involved in working with victims of domestic violence.

She said: “My role is to help and offer specialist support to victims and witnesses suffering anti-social behaviour so they don’t have to go through it alone.

“I am looking forward to helping people carry on with their lives in peace and without the fear of reprisals.”

Oldham’s new police chief has put reducing anti-social behaviour among his top priorities.

Chief Supt Tim Forber welcomed the appointment, saying: “Anti-social behaviour is one of the main issues residents tell us is affecting their quality of life.

“Neighbourhood policing teams are doing a lot of work with the council, partner agencies and residents to tackle the problem.

“Ensuring we provide support to victims and witnesses is key to encouraging more people to come forward with information and work with us to make their neighbourhood a safer place to live.”

Oldham Council’s deputy leader, Councillor Jackie Stanton, said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour is a major priority for us.

“We know that supporting victims and witnesses of anti-social behaviour and giving people the confidence to come forward, knowing their complaint will be taken seriously and acted upon, will really help make Oldham safer.”


Residents can report anti-social behaviour to the police on 0161-856 5050, to Oldham Council’s anti-social behaviour team on 0161-770 1566, or to their housing provider if they live in social housing. At this point, they can ask to be referred to Shupee.