WEST Mercia's police commissioner has said he is "taking seriously" the issue of anti-social behaviour caused by groups of youths coming into Worcester.
And Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said he will continue to give local policing teams the resources they need following an increase in nuisance behaviour.
The PCC said: "It’s concerning to see an increase in anti-social behaviour caused by groups of youths in Worcester, mostly travelling into the city from neighbouring towns.
“I want to reassure residents and businesses that West Mercia Police and I are taking this issue seriously with an agreed strategy set-up in partnership with Worcester BID, Worcester City Council and Crowngate Shopping Centre to deliver a strong and proactive approach to anti-social behaviour.
“As PCC, I am committed to tackling the issues that matter to you and your community and will continue to give your local policing teams the resources they need to be visible and accessible, not only in Worcester but across West Mercia, to intervene and educate young people at the earliest stage - stopping crime at its root.”
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Earlier this month we reported extra security guards have been hired to patrol the city centre as part of a crackdown on antisocial behaviour.
That came after worried businesses raised concerns about “intimidating” gangs of youths causing a nuisance.
The safety measures were introduced by Worcester BID to reassure the public following reports of large gangs of youths intimidating the public and threatening other youths.
While the trouble has been caused throughout the city centre, Worcester BID said much of the problems were taking place in well-known crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots such as McDonalds, The Cross, Foregate Street, St Martin’s Quarter and Crowngate shopping centre.
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BID chief executive Sam McCarthy said: “We acted following concerns from our members by funding six security operatives over the half-term period.
“The results from working together as a partnership has seen numbers in anti-social behaviour numbers reduce successfully.”
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