Extra police patrols to tackle Southwater crime rise

West Mercia Police and Telford & Wrekin Council have teamed up to investigate the low-level crime in the area around Southwater.

Inspector Paul Arnold said a number of youths have been arrested and dealt with for minor criminal offences.

Police say security patrols will also be stepped up in the area over the Easter school holidays.

Telford & Wrekin Council says a number of measures have been taken to try to deter anti-social behaviour.

These have included increased presence of security guards and community support officers, extra meetings with police and new equipment, such as body cameras, to capture evidence.

The council says it is also working more closely with Telford Shopping Centre, Telford International Centre and Telford Town Park by sharing more information and linking up to a crime reporting system.

Russell Griffin, spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "There are a number of repeat offenders that the police are aware of who currently have community protection orders against them.

Protect

"Returning to Southwater under such an order is a crime which the police are taking very seriously.

"We are naturally concerned and have put procedures in place with a view to deter anti-social behaviour, and also protect our visitors to the area."

Inspector Arnold added: "A number of individuals have been arrested and dealt with for minor criminal offences and a number of warning letters have been sent to the parents of children identified as being involved in anti-social behaviour.

"The police have also made use of their dispersal powers which require those identified in crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) to leave the area and not return for 48 hours.

"With those youths who are persistently attending the area in order to commit ASB we are working with the local authority to engage with their families in order to identify what support can be offered. Similarly we are speaking to children in the borough’s schools to emphasise the consequences of becoming involved in crime and ASB.

"Those children and young people who have been identified as persistent trouble makers will also be served with banning orders by the Telford Shopping Centre.

"If any of the young people ignore the warnings given and continue to exhibit problematic behaviour in the area the police and local authority will look at other options, such as civil injunctions and criminal behaviour orders.

"There will be increased police and council security patrols in the area over the Easter holidays in order to deter crime and disorder."