POLICE in Blacon are hoping a new initiative will make every day a g’day for local residents

An operation has been launched to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Australian roads area of Blacon Lodge – and officers will be utilising every available tool to tackle the problem.

PC Yvonne Graham, who has helped co-ordinate the operation said: “We have seen an increase in problematic behaviour in and around the Australian roads and have received a number of calls from local residents.

“Many of the calls relate to youths gathering in the area – often drinking alcohol on the streets – who then go on to carry out nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

“To tackle this we will be giving the area extra attention over the coming weeks and have secured special CCTV coverage from Chester City Council to help identify potential offenders.

“We have already increased patrols around the affected streets and have a designated team to tackle any problems that arise.”

The operation started on November 20 and Sergeant Darren Griffiths, of Chester Outer Neighbourhood Policing Unit, is convinced the action will have an effect.

He said: “Frankly it is not enough just to deal with anti-social behaviour when it arises – we want to deter people from behaving in any way that causes issues for others.

“The use of the CCTV is one way of achieving this as people can clearly see we are on the lookout for troublemakers and should have no trouble identifying who is responsible for problems in the area.

“We will not hesitate to take action where necessary whether this be affecting arrests, seizing alcohol from underage drinkers or simply speaking to local people.

“I want to assure residents in Blacon Lodge that we take their concerns extremely seriously and will continue to put measures in place to challenge any who think nuisance behaviour is acceptable.”

If you witness anti-social behaviour in the Blacon area please contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000. Alternatively contact the Chester Outer NPU on 0845 458 6375 – this number has a voicemail facility and is regularly checked for new messages.