WEST Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, has secured an extra £1 million from the Home Office, to clamp down on anti-social behaviour in the region.
The PCC is concerned about a high number of incidents, that cause significant nuisance and annoyance to a large number of people.
Anti-social behaviour includes graffitiing, street racing in cars or on motorbikes, rowdy behaviour, littering and street drinking.
The cash will be used to pay for extra police officer time, as well as PCSOs, youth workers and council officers in areas particularly badly affected across Solihull and Coventry.
The West Midlands is one of 10 forces being given extra funding to tackle the issue.
It will also pay for three extra off-road police motorbikes, to catch people who decide to ride illegally on parks and public land.
The aim is to prevent, tackle and reduce anti-social behaviour.
Mr Foster said: “I have secured this extra £1 million, because I am determined to prevent, tackle and reduce anti-social behaviour, in order to improve the quality of life for people in the West Midlands.
“We need to take a tough stance against anti-social behaviour, whether that be by way of prevention, early intervention, addressing the underlying causes or if necessary by way of robust enforcement.”
The money will pay for patrols to take place in hotspot areas, at least once every three days and is due to start next week (14th July).
Chief Superintendent and force lead for ASB Pete Henrick said: “We know that anti-social behaviour can often leave a trail of devastation, affecting vulnerable individuals and entire communities.
“We won’t tolerate this behaviour, and we remain committed to taking decisive action against those responsible for spreading misery and inflicting harm.
“All communities across the West Midlands have the right to feel safe in their homes, neighbourhoods and green spaces.”
