COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENT - DISCUSSING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

The Farnworth Neighbourhood Policing Team, town centre residents and businesses met to discuss on-going issues with anti-social behaviour within the locality.

Sgt Emily Fogg and her team shared the success of the recent Operation Northstar which saw a 53% decrease in ASB during December and January in comparison to the previous year, but it was recognised that this is just the beginning of a longer action plan.

Community engagement was discussed, and residents and businesses are encouraged to report every single incident of ASB that they encounter, because neighbourhood policing is supported by the data produced from reporting. Phoning 101 or via live chat on www.gmp.police.uk or utilising 999 in a case of an emergency.

The Farnworth team are currently running, proactive operations and vehicle operations within the area to target ASB, violent crime and vehicle crime.

The discussion explored practical solutions which the neighbourhood team are looking to implement around investment and development of the current Farnworth Town Centre CCTV system and high street lighting, and modernising communication channels between all town centre businesses and the police. These initiatives are now being explored in conjunction with the Farnworth Town Board (Pride in Place) and Bolton Council's Corporate Property team.

It was an extremely worthwhile meeting and was well attended with over 40 attendees including town centre residents, businesses representatives, the team from Ollo/Capital&Centric, multiple council officers, children's services and community safety portfolios, and the Bee Network's enforcement/public safety team.