EFFORTS to clamp down on anti-social behaviour on the Isle of Wight and in Hampshire this summer have led to a drop, according to police.
According to figures released today (Tuesday), the number of anti-social behaviour incidents fell from 1,997 to 1,935, a drop of 3.1 per cent compared with the same period the previous year.
Across the whole Hampshire and the Isle of Wight area the fall was five per cent during the three month campaign, which ran from June 2, 2012 to September 8, 2012.
The biggest drop was in street drinking, which fell from 93 to 57 incidents. There were 32 cases of littering, two less than last year, and the number of noise complaints fell from 156 to 133.
But there were increases in some areas of anti-social behaviour.
Police said the number of vehicle nuisance reports rose from 164 to 126 and nuisance communications complaints — which include incidents relating to text messaging and social media — rose from 130 to 133.
Insp Mark Hull said: "The decrease in so many areas of anti-social behaviour reflects the efforts made by our Safer Neighbourhoods officers across the force, who have been conducting increased targeted patrols in hot spot areas as well as visits to schools and youth clubs ahead of the summer holidays.
"We have also been working closely with licensees to tackle underage drinking; and we have made use of our SpeedWatch schemes run by volunteers to address the rising complaints about vehicle nuisance.
"Despite this year’s success during a particularly busy summer with high demand on policing there is no time to be complacent. Tackling anti-social behaviour is a year-round priority for Hampshire Constabulary and we still have a lot of work to do to continue to reduce the level of ASB across the force"
The work of police in Ryde was among that to be highlighted by police.
Safer Neighbourhoods officers increased patrols around the skate park and liaised with Ryde Town Council to close the park at 7pm in an attempt to improve the situation, said a spokeswoman.
| | Incidents |
| | 2011 | 2012 |
| Total ASB incidents | 1,997 | 1,935 |
| Littering | 32 | 30 |
| Neighbours | 383 | 345 |
| Noise | 156 | 133 |
| Nuisance Communications | 130 | 133 |
| Rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour | 914 | 888 |
| Street drinking | 93 | 57 |
| Trespassing | 40 | 43 |
| Vehicle nuisance | 126 | 164 |
Reporter: ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk