Funding boost to crack down on crime 'hot-spots'
A NEW scheme to target anti-social behaviour and alcohol abuse by teens in the Spen Valley has been backed by Kirklees Council.
The Spen Valley area committee has approved funding to put more bobbies on the beat during the evening throughout the rest of the summer and autumn.
The 5,500 grant, matched by West Yorkshire Police, takes the total cost of the scheme to 11,000.
The money will be used to fund the extra patrols at 'hot spots' where crime and anti-social behaviour is rife. The patrols will last for up to 26 weeks.
PCSO Simon Huscroft from the Spen Valley Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) outlined the plan to committee members.
He said: "In the evenings we have been planning patrols to combat anti-social behaviour and catching any youths with alcohol on them. They would then attend the alcohol misuse course.
"I think the kids will gain more knowledge of where alcohol misuse can lead.
"It's all about education and what we can do for the young people to understand the risks involved with alcohol."
One 'hot spot' recently identified is Heckmondwike town centre.
There, police have had some success cutting crime and underage drinking or drug taking.
Last year, the committee provided funding for two extra officers on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Since then, police have arrested 14 teens and searched 41. Alcohol has been confiscated from youths on 27 occasions and 35 alcohol referrals have been issued.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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