Anti-social behaviour drops in Comet country

ANTI SOCIAL behaviour levels in part of Comet country have been reduced by more than 21 per cent since Operation Enigma came into force. The Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership devised a plan to tackle the issue and the project has resulted in 49 arres

ANTI SOCIAL behaviour levels in part of Comet country have been reduced by more than 21 per cent since Operation Enigma came into force.

The Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership devised a plan to tackle the issue and the project has resulted in 49 arrests and 45 Acceptable Behaviour Contracts being agreed with offenders.

Tactics include removal of graffiti and street furniture, use of mobile TV cameras and curfews, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, an operation at Stevenage Leisure Park and a "family tree" to show associated groups of youths.

The Stevenage initiative, formed in 2005, explores the link between youths and areas in the town and anti social behaviour and has been deemed by the Home Office to be "good practice" for other towns to follow.

Partners in problem solving include the Stevenage police community team, social services, probation and Stevenage Borough Council. Regular meetings will continue as the philosophy behind the plan revolves around strength in numbers. While one agency alone may have struggled to resolve an issue, a number can combine resources and skills.

They hope to divert young people away from damaging behaviour and subsequent prosecution, have better communication with local schools and improve life in the community.

The anti-social behaviour initiative earned a runner-up award at the Hertfordshire Problem Orientated Partnership Conference held last week in Stevenage.

Chief Supt Alison Roome-Gifford presented the award. She said: "This was a really impressive project and our sincere congratulations go out to everyone who was involved in it."

The annual conference highlights problem solving from all over the UK and features the same kind of work in the United States.