Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews joined neighbourhood police on a walkabout in Blaby in support of a national campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour.
In recent weeks, residents have reported large groups of youths on motorbikes racing through Northfield Park and Northfield Road in addition to youths disrupting sporting events and being verbally abusive in Cosby Park and causing damage in the Dorothy Avenue area of Glen Parva.
Mr Matthews is determined to crackdown on anti-social behaviour and has made it clear in his Police and Crime Plan he expects Leicestershire Police to deliver a robust response to enforcement and prevention.
He visited Blaby alongside PCSO Sarah Eastwood from the local neighbourhood policing team to hear more about the problems and understand how he can support the force and partners to deliver solutions.
The walkabout, which started at Bouskell Park, coincided with ASB Awareness Week 2022, which runs from July 18 to 22 and encourages communities to take a stand against the issue and highlight the actions that can be taken by victims.
Organised by Resolve, the UK’s leading ASB and community safety organisation, the week features a series of events all across the UK involving Councils, Police Forces, Housing Associations, charities, community groups and sports clubs.
Mr Matthews said: “Anti-social behaviour has a long-term impact on mental health and can seriously damage quality of life. It is vital victims feel supported and this national awareness campaign will help promote the action and services available for those on the receiving end of these problems.
“I am grateful to PCSO Eastwood for joining me on my walkabout and explaining the type of issues affecting community life in Blaby as well as the ongoing partnership work to target the perpetrators of these incidents.
“Prevention is paramount which is why I am investing funding in diversionary projects through my Community Safety Grant scheme to drive young people away from nuisance behaviour.
“I know there are plans in place to step up patrols in the Bouskell Park area over the summer holidays which will provide some reassurance to residents. I am keen to monitor any progress made and will be considering what other measures are necessary to further deter anti-social activity in this area.”
