HOODIES are taking over Stevenage town centre today (Thursday) but they won’t be contributing to their anti-social stereotype.

Staff from Stevenage Borough Council, Stevenage Homes and Hertfordshire Constabulary will be clad in hoodie-attire as they aim to show that young people, often accused of anti-social behaviour, are no more likely to be perpetrators than other age groups.

The three authorities will also be on hand to discuss any anti-social behaviour problems that people are experiencing, and offer advice on security and crime reduction.

They will be joined during the open day by representatives of the Hertfordshire Youth Offending Team, students from Thomas Alleyne School, coaches from Stevenage Football Club and Boro Bear.

The event, organised by SoSafe, Stevenage’s community safety partnership, started in the Town Square at 10am and will continue to 1pm, so members of the public are encouraged to join in.

Cllr Richard Henry, executive member for safer and stronger communities, said: “The vast majority of young people in Stevenage are decent and law abiding, they might be kicking a ball around or being a bit noisy but they aren’t causing any trouble, they’re just enjoying their time with their friends.

“We are hoping that this event will help to address people’s misconceptions, particularly those about ‘hoodies’.”