Police are stepping up patrols in and around a secluded area in Hitchin town centre which has been used as a ‘toilet’.
West Alley, near a small block of flats and a handful of independent business, has been plagued with people urinating, scrawling graffiti on the walls, drug activity and rowdy behaviour – forcing police to act.
CCTV has been installed, and the police are increasing their presence in order to catch culprits and hand them fines of up to £60.
Their action has already yielded results – with an 18-year-old man caught urinating in West Alley by patrolling officers in the early hours of Friday, July 10, and given a fixed penalty notice. The man was also captured in the act by CCTV.
North Herts community sergeant Richard Wilmot said: “Generally Hitchin does not have a bad problem with anti-social behaviour, but unfortunately as West Alley is quite secluded it can attract people causing a nuisance, often fuelled by alcohol – particularly at the weekends when the pubs and clubs are at their busiest.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Wilmot or Hitchin Safer Neighborhood Team Sergeant Steve Oliphant on 101.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here