End-Of-Term Blitz On ASB Is A Success

A police operation targeting anti-social behaviour in part of Redditch on the last day of term has been hailed as a big success.

Officers in Winyates, Matchborough and Church Hill received only one call relating to anti-social behaviour on Friday (July 23), which led to the seizure of alcohol from youths in the Matchborough Centre.

Other than that the high visibility patrols which swept the area, supported by the use of a CCTV van, appeared to have the desired effect in deterring any potential problems. Police and Community Support Officers were involved as well as council youth workers.

Local Policing Sergeant Neil Billingham said: "The school break-up for the summer holiday traditionally prompts an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour so the fact we only received one during that 24-hour period is most encouraging. Our visibility on the streets from late afternoon onwards undoubtedly helped.

"A group of youth workers who were based in the Rocket play area in Winyates were really impressed with the behaviour of the youngsters they met and we hope this is reflected across the area and continues for the rest of the summer."

The success of the operation follows on from the June launch in Redditch of Operation Staysafe when police patrols targeted youngsters involved in anti-social behaviour, or otherwise deemed vulnerable, and took them back to a ‘safe centre'. Representatives from partner agencies were on hand to provide advice and guidance for the young people and their parents.

Sergeant Billingham said that similar operations would be carried out during the coming months, which it was hoped would act as a further deterrent to anyone thinking of causing trouble during the holidays.

Issued: Wednesday 28 July 2010