Police hail fall in anti-social behaviour hotspots

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) in North Yorkshire trouble hotspots has reduced by more than 76% in certain areas, according to new figures.

Foxwood Lane in Acomb, in York, Trafalgar Square in Scarborough, and Thirsk Market Place, were among the places which saw the biggest fall in anti-social behaviour between April 2023 to March 2024, all recording a reduction of more than 50%.

North Yorkshire Police credits the decline to a £1m investment by the government in a new policing initiative, which places more high-visibility police patrols in problem areas.

The Home Office-funded 'Hotspot Response' scheme contributed to a 13% overall ASB reduction across the 45 identified hotspots, the force added.

The data showed Ethel Ward, in the Haxby area, recorded the largest reduction, with a fall in ASB incidents of almost 77%, while Sycamore Avenue in Malton and Harrogate's Skipton Road both saw instances of anti-social behaviour drop by at least 50%.

Supt Victoria Taylor, head of local policing support at North Yorkshire Police, said: "Hotspot Policing has not only delivered impressive reductions in crime, but has also led to tangible results in protecting vulnerable residents.

"The feedback from communities across the North Yorkshire Police force region shows that our hard work is being noticed, and that people are feeling safer."

The scheme is set to continue throughout 2025.

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