Efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour in Guildford town centre
Police and their partners are working together on the issue
Partners in Guildford are working together to tackle antisocial behaviour, so that everyone who visits the town centre can enjoy it - with a particular focus on issues at weekends.
Anti-social behaviour can range from harassment and rowdy, inconsiderate behaviour to noise nuisance and criminal damage.
A local survey found there were concerns with ASB in Guildford, especially between 12 noon and 8.00pm at weekends, and that large groups of people caused the most concern.
The town's Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team, Guildford Borough Council and Experience Guildford have joined forces with Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, who secured the funding as part of the Safer Streets initiative.
That's a Home Office-led scheme that targets specific crime issues within local areas, with the aim of reducing offending.
In August last year, £273,000 was granted, to go towards street marshals, who patrol ASB hot spots within the town centre at weekends during the peak hours of offending.
It's also been used to help boost youth engagement via youth worker groups within the Guildford area, to address any ASB related to young people.
Surrey Police say they've stepped up their officer visibility within the town centre, with more patrols taking place during certain times.
Newly designed digital posters have also been displayed around town, at the train station, bus stops and on buses.
A social media campaign is underway to target both young people and their parents to highlight that ASB is not welcome anywhere in Guildford.
Guildford Borough Commander Blaine Rafferty said:
“We’ve been working closely with local partners to introduce these new measures to help tackle antisocial behaviour in Guildford. We want everyone to be able to enjoy our town centre and feel safe. This funding has allowed us to put our focus on ASB hotspots in town, and areas where the wider community has raised concerns.
“ASB is a priority for us. We have plain-clothed officers supporting uniformed colleagues in Guildford identifying any nuisance, inconsiderate behaviour or criminal activity. They will be operating in the town centre on a regular basis to help Guildford be a safe environment for all.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend said:
“I am really pleased that our Office has played a key part in securing the funding for this project in Guildford, that will address the concerns of local residents around issues including theft, criminal damage and substance misuse in their town centre.
“As well as preventing crime, I am proud that the work with local partners will also boost the engagement with children and young people that is a core part of keeping our communities safe for everyone.”
Lead Councillor for Regulatory Services, Councillor Merel Rehorst-Smith said:
“I’m delighted with the summer campaign targeting antisocial behaviour. It’s so important that we all respect one another and collectively stand up and say 'no' to behaviour that is unacceptable in our town.
"By working together, we can all help make sure our town continues to be a great place to live, work and do business. A town to be proud of, where everyone feels welcome, can be authentic and feel valued.”
Pete Lambert, Town Safety and Venue Liaison Manager at Experience Guildford said:
“We fully endorse this campaign to help reduce ASB in Guildford town centre through strong partnership working with Surrey Police, Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner and Guildford Borough Council."