New police action plan for anti-social behaviour in Northamptonshire hopes to find 'long-term solution'

The new plan to be delivered over the next 12 months hopes to strengthen early intervention to solve recurring and persisting problems.

Key areas of the new plan include prioritising visibility and accessibility of neighbourhood policing teams, working closely with partners and making use of data to better understand the cause of the anti-social behaviour in each problem area.

Superintendent Paul Cash, Northamptonshire Police’s ASB lead and head of prevention and intervention, said: “Anti-social behaviour has a real and lasting impact on people’s lives and tackling it remains one of our top priorities. This action plan sets out how we will work together with our partners and communities to prevent ASB, support victims and deal with those responsible.

“There are a range of powers and interventions available to us, from community resolutions and civil orders to criminal proceedings when necessary.

“Effective neighbourhood policing is at the heart of this approach. When officers are part of the community, they know the faces, the streets and the stories. They listen, support and act – whether that’s tackling ASB, protecting the vulnerable or patrolling local hotspots.

“Public engagement is absolutely key. If we don’t know about ASB, we can’t take action. We need communities to keep reporting issues so we can respond and find long-term solutions.”

Anti-social behaviour has been reported in towns across Northamptonshire, including a recent warning from Northamptonshire’s Arson Task Force after a recent increase in youth‑related anti‑social behaviour and deliberate fire‑setting.

Police say over the past two years there has been an increase high visibility patrols in town centres – where crime and ASB are most likely to occur - due to hotspot funding from the Home Office.

Patrols focus on deterring and tackling ASB, violent offences, theft and shoplifting, and extra funding has helped Northamptonshire Police to increase officer hours on the streets.

Supt Cash added: “Identifying and targeting anti-social behaviour hotspots will continue to be a key part of daily business for our neighbourhood teams, while working together with partners, sharing data, skills and resources, is essential in helping to identify problems early and prevent them from escalating.

“Using a problem-solving approach is the most effective way of preventing crime and ASB. When policing, partners and the public work together to address local concerns and find practical solutions, communities become safer and stronger as a result.”

Those who witnesses anti-social behaviour of any kind are urged to report it to the police or council online via the police or council website.