Coventry council staff report a rise in violent attacks
Workers in Coventry have reported full drinks bottles and cans thrown at them, as well as liquids, eggs, and even a road sign.
Last updated 28th Feb 2024
Civil workers in Coventry are experiencing a rise in violent attacks and verbal abuse by members of the public.
Coventry City Council has published a video on its social media channels today (28 February) showing the extent of abuse faced by frontline staff.
The video captures an incident where two parking wardens are verbally and physically assaulted after ticketing an illegally parked vehicle on Victory Road.
When a member of the public saw a ticket on his van, he became verbally abusive towards the officers, and physically assaulted one of them by throwing him to the ground.
The video was captured by one of the body cameras that are worn by all the city’s Civil Enforcement Officers.
The cameras were introduced about six years ago, acting as a deterrent for aggression towards officers, and being used as evidence by the Council or police to assist with investigations and prosecutions.
The case is said to be just one of many incidents of assault and abuse against wardens, with an increased number of incidents being reported in 2023.
Male and female officers have been violently attacked, including being punched, kicked and spat at and being driven at by speeding vehicles.
They have also had full drinks bottles and cans thrown at them, as well as liquids, eggs, and even a road sign.
The video has been published as part of an ongoing Council campaign called "No excuse for abuse" to cut down on violence against staff.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council, said: "Council staff work hard every day to support the people of our city and we know that is appreciated by most people, but sadly cases of abuse are rising, and this cannot be allowed to continue.
"There are too many incidents where some people cross the line and become abusive, as in this case where two officers were simply trying to do their job and help residents.
"Abuse in any form against Council staff will not be tolerated and legal action will be taken.
"We are there to help and support residents and we thank the vast majority of those for the way they work with us, but the message to the abusive minority is now clear – we will inform police and we will look to prosecute where possible to protect our staff."
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