Force launch new dedicated cars to tackle ASB

Leicestershire Police have launched a new operation aimed at dealing with antisocial behaviour in and around Market Harborough.

‘Operation Behave’ will see one dedicated car patrol around Market Harborough District seven days a week from 8am to 11pm, which will run until the end of the summer holidays.

The operation will coincide with the easing of lockdown restrictions on Monday 12 April, when incidents in parks and open spaces are expected to rise, particularly due to the lighter evenings.

The dedicated ‘ASB car’ will be patrolled by officers from Market Harborough who will be targeting areas where analysis has shown antisocial behaviour is a problem in the area, particularly last year.

NPA Commander for Market Harborough, Inspector Siobhan Gorman, said: “Market Harborough, Lutterworth and Wigston police are have set up Operation Behave to deal with an expected rise in anti-social behaviour (ASB).

“Coming out of the winter months, the warmer weather and longer nights, coupled with the gradual relaxation of the lockdown, will undoubtedly see a rise in reports to the police and councils in ASB.

“This shows the public we are committed to preventing ASB and to dealing with it as it happens. We need the public’s help to do this and I’d ask anyone witnessing ASB to call 101 and report it so we can respond quickly.”

Officers will make use of their powers of dispersal to move large groups away and keep them dispersed (under section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014), and powers to seize alcohol if they believe it is contributing to ASB.

Where Harborough District Council (HDC) are able to assist, i.e. noise or environmental problems, officers will liaise with the various departments to ensure a partnership solution.