Police hail 1,000th anti-social arrest

Aug 11 2007 by Jessica Shaughnessy, Liverpool Daily Post

A BLITZ on anti-social behaviour on Merseyside last night claimed its 1,000th arrest.

Merseyside Police say their special taskforce Axis, which was formed in October last year, has dramatically reduced anti-social behaviour.

As the milestone arrest of a 27-year-old Kensington woman suspected of possessing an offensive weapon was made, the team was celebrating a 34% reduction of anti-social behaviour in July, compared to last year.

And in the same period, incidents of rowdy youths have fallen by 28%; vehicle nuisance by 53%; street drinking by 32% and abandoned vehicles by 28%.

Superintendent John Myles said it was an important milestone but insisted the police would not be complacent.

He said: “We have achieved some significant successes already but we wish to build on this and stamp out anti-social behaviour further in the future.”

The first of its kind in the UK, Axis is dedicated team which looks for creative ways to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Supt Myles added: “Axis is a focused team of both police officers and Community Support Officers using innovative tactics and the latest technology to tackle anti-social behaviour.

“We do this through every lawful means, using our partners enforcement means as well as those of the police.

“Our aim is to enforce the law to full effect, while also providing diversionary activities for young people.

“This approach has helped support neighbourhoods in their excellent efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour.”

Axis can be called into areas where there is a specific problem, to work alongside neighbourhood officers and partner agencies.

It has also been involved in a number of operations and campaigns.

Currently, Axis is working on the SafeSpace campaign, which aims to help local communities reclaim their parks and open spaces.

The government’s Respect tsar Louise Casey said: “This is a significant milestone for Merseyside Police’s commitment and determination in tackling anti-social behaviour and I congratulate them on their hard work and ongoing success.”Š