Crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Sixfields

Neighbourhood police officers in Northampton are urging parents and carers to make sure they know where their children are as they crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the Sixfields area of Northampton.

In recent weeks there has been a spike in anti-social behaviour with groups of young people travelling from across Northampton and Daventry and causing issues in various food outlets as well as inside the bowling alley and cinema.

This has led to the issuing of a Section 34 direction to leave order which gives uniformed police officers and PCSOs the power to direct those causing ASB to leave an area.

Incidents in the area have ranged from criminal damage and intimidation, all the way up to assault.

Last week (April 4), a 25-year-old man was stabbed in the area.

Members of the neighbourhood policing team have adopted a problem-solving approach by stepping up proactive high-visibility patrols and engaging the support of the OPFCC’s Youth Engagement Team to target and signpost those intent on causing misery for those who live in, work or are visiting the area.

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Nick Paul, said: “Firstly I want to start by saying that it is not all young people causing these issues - it is only a small group.

“Sixfields is a hub of activity and we want people to feel safe visiting all the various food outlets and local businesses. This is why we’re taking a zero-tolerance approach and why we will be prosecuting people, regardless of their age, if they are seen to be causing issues in the area.

“If your child is visiting Sixfields on a regular basis, please make sure they’re not involved with the issues we have been seeing here. We know it’s a small minority but they are unfortunately ruining it for everyone else.”

Find out more about how Northamptonshire Police is preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour here.

If you have any information or concerns about anti-social behaviour in your community, you can report non-emergency crime to 101, visit www.northants.police.uk/RO or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. In an emergency always call 999.