Police in Rutland say youth centres can help to tackle anti-social behaviour
Centres are being ran in Oakham and Uppingham, the county's 'hotspots' for these crimes
Youth centres in Rutland are aiming to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB).
They're being ran by Rutland County Council in Oakham and Uppingham.
Rutland police say these areas are the county's 'hotspots' for these crimes.
The centres enable young people to meet in a safe environment with their peers, enjoy different sessions and access support from youth workers.
They can see us as people instead of just the uniform
Liam Palmer, sergeant for Rutland neighbourhood team, said:
"We go and engage with youths at those groups. It breaks down that barrier between the police and the youths."
"They can see us as people instead of just the uniform."
"Also we are able to interact with them and get them to understand why ASB is impacting communities."
"If we can engage them in those activities and find them a niche that they're enjoying and take them away from being on the streets or causing issues in areas of concern, then that's positive for the community."
"We are tackling any incidents of anti-social behaviour."
"We understand that ASB can be a broad spectrum of things. Whether it's inappropriate behaviour, inappropriate use of vehicles, or neighbour disputes."
Anti-social behaviour is impacting communities
Through a consultation with the community, Uppingham police identified ASB as being a priority that people in Uppingham want them do address.
Police said they will complete high visibility patrols of hotpot areas, including Queen Street, and deal proactively with offenders with a view to providing a community resolution disposal if applicable.