POLICE chiefs have welcomed new figures which show a significant drop in anti-social behaviour in and around Chester.
The number of disorder incidents recorded in the borough between April and September dropped to under 25,000, compared with more than 30,100 in the same period last year.
The percentage drop was more than 17.2 per cent. Members of the Cheshire Police Authority were also told that “repeat” incidents, or calls from the same victim or the same location, were also down.
Assistant Chief Constable Janette McCormick said: “The reduction in anti-social behaviour is continuing a general trend which has been established for three years.
“It reflects the success of responding quickly to incidents of disorder and of the early intervention approach adopted by this force and our partners.
“We take steps to identify people, especially young people, when they become involved in anti social behaviour and we take action. This often involves discussions with parents and other family members. Anti Social Behaviour Units and other agencies are involved where necessary.
“The aim is to make people realise that their behaviour isn’t acceptable and steer them in a different direction.
“We see many successful examples of this approach.”
She added: “We take anti-social behaviour seriously. Many victims are elderly and vulnerable people and in those cases abuse, violence and vandalism can cause extreme levels of distress.
“We do everything we can to make sure that they are protected and supported and are not targeted over a period of time.”
Margaret Ollerenshaw, the Police Authority chairman, said: “This is an important area of policing. Success in dealing with anti social behaviour brings benefits for a lot of people.
“It means there are less victims suffering the day-to-day distress which this sort of behaviour can bring.”