Operation Staysafe In 'Successful' Return To Bromsgrove

Police and partner agencies in Bromsgrove have hailed the latest Staysafe operation in the district a success after a quiet evening during which there were no reports of anti social behaviour (ASB).

The operation was held on Friday night (13 April) when ASB ‘hotspots' were targeted in an effort to locate youngsters at risk through alcohol or other factors.

Dedicated police patrols engaged with a number of young people who were out and about but none were causing trouble or misusing alcohol.

If youngsters had been caught drinking, misbehaving or out late at night on their own they faced being taken into emergency police protection. A Safe Centre had been established in Bromsgrove Town Centre where an intervention team comprising Youth Offending Service officers and Connexions staff was on standby. However no-one was found to be vulnerable enough to be taken there.

A total of 13 police and Community Support Officers and members of Bromsgrove District Council's Community Safety Team took part in Operation Staysafe which began at 6pm. Patrols took place in the town centre as well as Catshill, Charford, Sidemoor, Hagley, Rubery and Wythall.  

The initiative was funded by Worcestershire's Safer Communities Board.

During previous Staysafe operations in North Worcestershire alcohol has been seized from youngsters and some have been taken into safe custody or issued with warnings about their conduct.

Bromsgrove District Inspector Steve Fulton said: "It is reassuring to note that on this occasion our patrols did not come across anyone causing trouble and there were no reports of anti social behaviour across the district while the operation was running.

"While anti-social behaviour has been highlighted as a concern by people in the community it should be stressed that this initiative is also about safeguarding children and protecting them by putting early interventions in place through the relevant support agencies.  

"We are committed to managing anti social behaviour effectively in our communities and we can see the huge benefits of running operations like this which deal specifically with issues affecting young people. Targeted patrols also hopefully provide an added deterrent to anyone thinking of causing trouble and we are planning to hold more operations like this in the future."

Issued: Tuesday, 17 April 2012