Avon & Somerset Police delivered more than 4,500 additional patrols across the region between April and September, helping to tackle anti-social behaviour and serious violence.
The constabulary worked in collaboration with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and local authorities.
The targeted patrols are part of a wider operation funded by the Home Office, aimed at driving down anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence in 72 locations, where issues have been widely and continuously reported.
With 327 police officers and PCSOs involved, a sustained police presence in city and town centres, high streets and public spaces resulted in 67 arrests and 35 stop searches.
Nine weapons were seized and 71 ASB interventions were issued.
As the patrols are part of an ongoing live operation, police are not providing the names of the 72 locations involved.
However, as the operation reaches its halfway point, they have given an example of what has been achieved during the April–September period.
On 10th August officers on patrol in Bath noticed a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old wearing balaclavas and acting suspiciously. Security staff explained the boys had assaulted a homeless person.
The suspects ran off and were seen to discard a hammer. Both boys were arrested, one of whom was in breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order. An investigation is ongoing.
As well as targeting offenders, the extra patrols are designed to deter future anti-social and criminal behaviour and to reassure the public, helping them feel safer in public spaces.
“They have also provided further opportunities for officers to interact with their communities by visiting local businesses and speaking to members of the public in the street.
Police say success to date can also be attributed to close partnership working, with street marshals and community response officers delivering patrols both independently and alongside police officers.
Police say they remain committed to working closely with partner agencies, such as local councils, social housing associations and early intervention teams, to problem-solve and tackle the biggest challenges within local communities, understanding that enforcement isn’t the long-term solution and doesn’t tackle the root of anti-social and violent behaviours.
Chief Inspector Scott Hill said: “We’re pleased to see how the funding received from the Home Office is already having a clear impact in locations across Avon and Somerset.
“The progress we’re making in tackling anti-social behaviour and serious violence can be seen in the number of additional arrests and enforcement activities reported.
“Importantly, the additional patrols are also having a positive effect on our communities with members of the public taking time out of their day to chat to officers in the street, not only to voice their concerns but to share how the increased uniformed presence is making a difference to their local area.
“It reinforces why visible neighbourhood policing is so important.”
Clare Moody, the Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour is one of my key priorities because people across Avon and Somerset have made it clear how much it impacts their daily lives.
“They have also stressed the importance of seeing a visible police presence in their communities, and these targeted patrols demonstrate how the police, alongside local authorities and community partners, are responding to those concerns.
“I’m encouraged by the impact of these patrols in reducing anti-social behaviour and serious violence, and I appreciate the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.”
On top of the targeted patrols funded by the Home Office, Avon & Somerset Police’s dedicated ASB Team continues to work behind the scenes gathering evidence, building case files and issuing stepped interventions against perpetrators.
