POLICE have stepped into action to tackle antisocial behaviour in Uttoxeter as new initiatives are put in place.
Staffordshire Police have tackled two of the areas plagued by antisocial behaviour in the Heath area of the town.
The first was young people gathering around the external stairway in Ash Close which residents reported was causing them problems.
To tackle this problem, officers have discussed the possibility of installing CCTV with East Staffordshire Borough Council and new signs have now been erected.
They have also given out appropriate crime prevention advice to occupants and the resident most affected by this problem has thanked officers and reported that the issue has improved.
Heath Community Centre has also been suffering from antisocial behaviour and criminal damage and officers have again worked with the borough council, this time securing funding to redesign the porch area.
Sergeant Ian Cantrill, of East Staffordshire Local Policing Team, said: “After working alongside East Staffordshire Borough Council we were able to secure £5,000 of funding.
“After consultation with the community centre management, plans were drawn up to redesign the porch area to stop youths gathering. This work is almost complete.” Sergeant Cantrill said the force reacted after receiving reports of the problem from members of the public.
“After receiving reports of anti-social behaviour and damage in the Heath area of Uttoxeter PC Josie Shepherd and Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Sean Elliot have worked extremely hard, in close partnership with colleagues from East Staffordshire Borough Council, to address the concerns raised by residents,” he said.
“They have also spent time offering crime reduction advice and will continue to patrol these areas as part of their day-to-day duties.” According to the crime maps website, provided by Police UK, Uttoxeter has seen reports of antisocial behaviour remain steady over the last couple of months with 22 reports in August, 23 in July, 26 in June and 18 in May.
