Action on anti-social behaviour in Fordingbridge
Update from Police tackling ongoing ASB problems
Last updated 27th Feb 2022
Over the last few months it's been evident anti-social behaviour (ASB) has been having a 'massive impact' on Fordingbridge.
It's been so bad that Hampshire Police's local Neighbourhood Police Teams say the it's been damaging community welfare.
Officers say a number of community engagement events and feedback sessions with residents and businesses has quickly shown that Anti-social behaviour in the town is a community priority, due to the impact it is having, and the potential risks imposed.
Officers have been providing information on how to deal with Anti-social behavior, how to report anti-social behavior and how to safeguard yourselves.
After some advice and education one local business, that had been subjected to repetitive anti-social related incidents, installed CCTV cameras to catch and record the incidents. After reports of youths kicking the door and throwing items into the property, Police viewed the CCTV and it became evident this was more than anti-social behaviour.
After further review Police identified the culprits and took 'positive action' to deal with those 'youths' responsible. Officers say they were spoken to and taught about the impact of their behavior, and the types of behaviors considered anti-social. They were also told about local after school/sport clubs they could join to prevent them from offending or behaving in an anti-social manner.
Officers from Ringwood Police also issued a Community Resolution (CR) instead of taking culprits to court as it was a 'first time offence'. The youths will now have to liaise with the Police's dedicated and Youth Offending Team (YOT) to helps educate first time young offenders and stop them offending again.
Hampshire Police believe this was a positive outcome for both the victim and offender.
Officers say the Local NPT is dedicated and committed and will continually tackle anti-social behaviour in Fordingbridge.