Targeted town centre hotspot patrols are a summer focus for neighbourhood policing teams

Towns across Northamptonshire are seeing extra policing patrols this summer as neighbourhood officers continue targeted activity to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in ‘hotspot’ locations.

These additional patrols, which are over and above daily neighbourhood policing activity, have been enabled through hotspot funding made available by the Home Office.

With a particular focus on tackling and deterring anti-social behaviour, as well as violent offences, theft and shoplifting, officers are carrying out high-visibility patrols in locations and at times where data has identified that incidents are most likely to occur.

In July, Neighbourhood officers conducted an extra 230 visible hours in town centre locations through the hotspot patrol fund activity. This was in addition to more than 1000 hours of regular neighbourhood policing patrols and nearly 500 hours of dedicated night-time economy duties.

Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Paul Cash said: “Our town centre-focused hotspot patrols are over and above our regular neighbourhood policing activities and are also supporting the Home Office Safer Streets Summer campaign.

“Neighbourhood officers have being carrying out high visibility patrols and targeted operations in towns across the county, as well as holding community surgeries and engagement events. We've also been increasing patrols on Friday and Saturday evenings, to deter offending, provide reassurance and help keep people safe as they enjoy a night out in our town centres.

“Our areas of focus are based on local crime data so it’s important that anyone affected by crime or anti-social behaviour, whether as a victim or witness, makes sure the police and other relevant agencies know about it.

“As well as being able to deal with that particular offence, it helps us build information about where incidents are happening and where to focus our patrols, so please do report it.”

Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone added:  “I’m pleased to see these targeted operations, that are focused on the issues that really matter to people. It’s so important to show communities that they are being heard and their concerns are being acted on.

“We know that people want to see visible policing and action to tackle crime in hotspot areas, both as a deterrent, and to reassure local people.  I know that these extra hours of patrol, targeting criminal activity where we know it happens, will have helped to build trust and confidence in Northamptonshire Police.”

Anyone with information about crime or anti-social behaviour happening in their community is urged to report it.

In an emergency, where a crime is in progress or someone is at risk of being hurt, people should call police on 999. Otherwise, please report online at www.northants.police.uk/RO or call 101. There is also a 24/7 live chat service which can be accessed by clicking on the chat icon on the bottom righthand corner of the police website.

Reports for certain types of anti-social behaviour, such as vehicle nuisance, criminal damage or drug misuse, can be made to the police at: Report antisocial behaviour | Northamptonshire Police or on 101. If the issue you are reporting is not a police matter, you will be signposted to the appropriate agency.

Anti-social behaviour issues such as fly-tipping, noise nuisance, graffiti or fly-posting, can be reported to the local council.

Organisations across the county, including Northamptonshire Police, are coming together in support of the Home Office campaign, Safer Streets Summer.

This partnership campaign is working to improve town centres by tackling the issues that matter to people, including retail crime and anti-social behaviour, to make communities safer for everyone.