Operation cuts anti-social behaviour by 86 per cent
Essex County Council, Essex Police and Harlow District Council
have been working in partnership to successfully tackle crime and
anti-social behaviour in Harlow.
The initiative, which targeted The Stow area, is the ninth
undertaken under the Operation Impact banner – a campaign to reduce
crime and anti-social behaviour across the county.
Before the operation commenced, The Stow had the highest level of
calls reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour. This figure has
now been reduced by 86 per cent following the intensive,
multi-agency campaign.
The operation combined intensive policing of the area with some of
the key ring-leaders being issued ASBOs, engagement with local
families, including those of offenders and the addition of
more security cameras.
A range of facilities, inlcuding a kick wall and improved
lighting, have also been put in place nearby to divert young
people away from the area.
When asked about the effectiveness of the operation, a
representative from the local business community said: “The area is
now much better for everyone, business has improved. People can
relax. Older people and people with kids are not too intimidated to
come here anymore. Everyone has noticed an improvement.”
Lee Dangerfield, the county councillor for Harlow West, said: “This
operation has been a great success and has had a hugely positive
impact on the local community. The legacy left behind will ensure
the benefits are long term and the troublemakers don’t return as
soon as the police have gone: it’s a great example of what
partnership working can achieve.”
Chief Inspector Nick Morris, the Harlow district commander, said:
“This positive reduction in anti-social behaviour demonstrates the
partnership's commitment to improve issues within the community. It
places the power back into people’s hands to feel confident that
their concerns and information are being listened to and action is
being taken.”