County cuts anti-social behaviour

Anti-social behaviour incidents in Northamptonshire have continued to fall, dropping by more than 17% during the past six months, new figures show.

At the end of September 2007, the number of incidents reported in the county since the beginning of April that year stood at 37,618.

By the end of September 2008, the corresponding figure had fallen to 31,062 - a decrease of 6,556 incidents.

Police praised the work of its officers in tackling anti-social behaviour.

Ian Fletcher, a community safety sergeant, said: "Our files are deemed the best in the East Midlands policing region and have been adopted as best practice.

"We recognise the harassment, alarm and distress that people engaging in anti-social behaviour cause to those around them."

Insp John McKinney, of Northamptonshire Police, said: "The work being done in the Anti-Social Behaviour Units in Northampton and Daventry is going from strength to strength.

"Not only are the number of incidents falling, but the quality of work that has been put in dealing with those referred to us has greatly improved our results."