Crackdown on antisocial crime

Work is underway to develop a long term plan to tackle antisocial behaviour in a town’s market square.
CrimeCrime
Crime

Concerns have been raised over the number of people congregating at Biggleswade’s bus shelter.

The town centre is already an alcohol free zone, with anyone failing to hand over their booze to a police officer or PCSO risking arrest.

But residents have expressed their concerns that the rules are not being enforced due to a lack of police presence.

Sergeant Gary Kidd from Bedfordshire Police said: “We have received reports of anti-social behaviour in the Market Square in Biggleswade and we are working with the town council and other agencies to put measures in place to stop this from happening.

“Our PCSOs have also recently being given additional powers in order to disperse those causing anti-social behaviour and will use this power as and when there is a need to do so. However, we’re keen to put a long term solution in place which is why we are working on a more permanent solution alongside our partners.”

He added that police and PCSOs would continue to patrol the town centre, and encouraged people to contact police on 101 if they spot any issues.

Crime stats for Biggleswade revealed that between December 11 2014 and January 20, 2015 there were a total of 76 crimes committed in Biggleswade, with 32 being solved. These included 16 crimes involving violence and five relating to public order.