YOUNG people involved in anti-social behaviour should watch out – they could still get a visit from police officers as part of Operation Enigma. Chief Inspector Steve Amoss is the new man in charge of policing in Stevenage. He wants to continue the good w

YOUNG people involved in anti-social behaviour should watch out - they could still get a visit from police officers as part of Operation Enigma.

Chief Inspector Steve Amoss is the new man in charge of policing in Stevenage.

He wants to continue the good work of the operation which targets groups of young people committing crimes such as graffiti and criminal damage.

Chief Insp Amoss said: "After almost 50 arrests Operation Enigma's arrest phase, Operation Envy, is still going strong.

"We are planning more arrests and will continue to catch and punish anyone who is found to have committed a crime or acted in an anti-social manner."

Figures have shown that where arrests have been made the number of calls to police from the public have reduced significantly and in some instances stopped altogether.

"The talk among the young people in Stevenage is about Operation Envy and that is half of the challenge achieved.

"The majority of young people are extremely well behaved and are a credit to society. However, there is a small minority who spoil things for others and I want them to know that my team will be knocking on their door."

Chief Insp Amoss has been with the force for 26 years. He has previously served in Stevenage and Hitchin as well as spending time in the Constabulary's central area.

He said: "Another priority for Stevenage is licensing and working with partners and licensees to make sure that if premises are contributing to an increase in crime and disorder that we come to a sensible and manageable resolution.

"The Leisure Park in particular is making a contribution to the funding of police officers in the busiest period at the weekend and this is making a considerable difference to people's feelings of safety and helping to prevent and combat disorder."

He lives in the North Herts area with his family. In his spare time he enjoys playing and watching sport including football, racquetball and golf and is a coach at Hitchin Swimming Club.

He replaces Chief Insp Dean Patient who has taken up a role in the Force's community safety and crime reduction unit as the lead on neighbourhood policing.