Police have warned they are to target anti-social “hotspots” this summer, after it emerged the amount of nuisance behaviour in Northampton has started to creep up in the first three months of the year.
Between April and June this year, the number of reported anti-social behaviour incidents increased from 3,749 to 3,826.
Officers have warned the school break usually results in an increasing amount of anti-social behaviour and say they plan to crack down on potential troublesome areas, such as parks and local shops.
Chief Inspector Fay Tennet, the force lead on anti-social behaviour, stressed the intention was not to “demonise” young people looking to have fun.
She said: “The vast majority of young people are well behaved but there are a few who cause nuisance to others and, in some cases, commit anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.
“There are parts of the county where this sort of behaviour is more common and this is where the local policing teams will be concentrating their efforts.
“It is important that anyone who is a victim of anti-social behaviour is able to contact the police knowing that their voice will be heard even if, in some cases, their response will come from another organisation rather than the police.”
In Northampton, an operation has been planned to provide policing cover for planned events and a swift response to reported incidents.
Sergeant Steve Bedford, of Northampton East Safer Community Team, said: “The operation covers the whole town and we will have two Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in a marked car patrolling hotspot areas, re-visiting victims and providing reassurance.
“Those committing anti-social behaviour will be referred to our anti-social behaviour units and dealt with by ourselves or other responsible organisations like the local authorities and housing associations, as appropriate.
“Motorcycle nuisance is a particular problem in the town, especially on outlying estates and parkland at weekends, and this will be a clear focus for us.”
Sergeant Nick Paul, of the town’s South West Safer Community Team, added: “We have targeted young people on Duston’s Errington Park who were causing anti-social behaviour with their vehicles.
“We have spoken to pupils at local schools about being responsible citizens and to local supermarkets about their licensee responsibilities, seizing alcohol from a group of 60 young people who had gathered in East Hunsbury and becoming a nuisance.
“I would encourage parents to establish where their children are at all times, who they are with and what they are doing.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds said tackling anti-social behaviour in a more effective way was at the heart of his police and crime plan.
He said: “Those who commit anti-social acts will not be tolerated and will be dealt with firmly.
“I am looking to introduce a programme to solve and prevent these sorts of problems which blight our community.
“And I also intend to introduce a multi-agency ‘one stop shop’, which will improve the service we give to victims of anti-social behaviour.”