Antisocial behaviour down in Hampshire (From Daily Echo)

Antisocial behaviour down in Hampshire

4:30am Monday 6th August 2012 in News By Bethan Phillips, Reporter

THE war is being won on antisocial behaviour during the summer, according to new figures.

Hampshire Police say the number of incidents across the region has dropped by 6.14 per cent, compared to the same period last year.

Reports of noise nuisance have decreased by 14 per cent and incidents of street drinking have plummeted by more than 44 per cent.

Officers put the decrease down to this year's Summer Antisocial Behaviour Campaign, which started at the beginning of June and has seen teams target anti-social behaviour hot spots and visit schools and youth clubs ahead of the holidays.

But police has also reported an increase in one aspect of anti-social behaviour – with the number of vehicle-related nuisance incidents rising by 4.99 per cent as 72 more incidents were recorded.

Overall, total recorded incidents of antisocial behaviour in June and July 2011 topped 15,260, whereas this year they are down to 14,325 for the same two months.

Campaign leader, Inspector Mark Hull said: “Tackling antisocial behaviour (ASB) is a year-round priority for Hampshire Constabulary.

“However, during the summer we historically see a rise in ASB offences; therefore we are placing additional focus on tackling ASB issues during our Summer Antisocial Behaviour Campaign.

“Our Safer Neighbourhoods teams across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been conducting increased targeted patrols in hot spot areas as well as visits to schools and youth clubs ahead of the summer holidays.”

Parents are also being urged to keep an eye on where their children are during the summer holidays, to avoid them becoming involved in any antisocial behaviour, and residents are urged to report any incidents to 101, so that officers can target problem areas.

The campaign will run until September.