Gloucestershire’s hard-line hotspot policing results in 62 arrests

• Gloucestershire Constabulary’s ‘hard-line’ approach to tackling anti-social behaviour is already having results
• £1 million, secured from the last Government by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, has led to more police patrols in areas that need it most, known as anti-social behaviour hotspots
• 62 arrests have been made as well as a range of other penalties handed-down
• Anti-Social Behaviour Hotspot Coordinator Inspector Dan Wakeford, said: “Feedback from the public, particularly from people that live in or around an area we’ve identified as a hotspot, has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson has given the Constabulary £1million to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The result is more than 2,600 extra hours of street patrols leading to 62 arrests and a range of other penalties.

The hard-line approach is focused on areas in the county known as ‘hotspots’ where anti-social behaviour is most prevalent.

Inspector Dan Wakeford, the Anti-Social Behaviour Hotspot Coordinator said: “I am really pleased with the results we are already seeing.

“Feedback from the public, particularly from people that live in or around an area we’ve identified as a hotspot, has been overwhelmingly positive.”

So far, since the initiative began in May, Gloucestershire Constabulary has used the money to conduct more than 2,600 extra hours patrolling targeted areas. Hotspots have been identified in each of Gloucestershire’s Local Policing Areas, including the centres of Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud and Cinderford.

Inspector Wakeford said: “Officers have put in a total of 2,649 hours between May and July. They have shown real dedication to the people who live in these hotspot areas, and a determination to tackle these nuisance behaviours head-on.

“Officers are producing fantastic results. As well as the 62 arrests, they have given 51 anti-social behaviour warnings, enforced Public Space Protection Orders 210 times, engaged with motorists, conducted road-side breath-tests, drug-wipes and have issued fixed penalty notices”.

Although new to the county, there is evidence that ‘hotspot policing’ as it is known is a proven practice that delivers results by deterring, detecting and disrupting crime.

High visibility officers patrolling an area with known high-levels of anti-social behaviour for at least 15 minutes, deters crime and criminals from the area for up to four hours.

Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said: “I have joined officers on these patrols and have seen the need for this kind of policing. Street drinking, drug taking and intimidating behaviour is a daily occurrence in some of these hotspots.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own homes, walking through the High Street or going to their local park. What can be a nuisance in the short term becomes a nightmare when it is persistent.

“I take anti-social behaviour very seriously, and I am proud of my Office for successfully securing the one million pound investment into to tackle it and making Gloucestershire safer.