Graham Stuart, Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness, is pleased that the latest figures provided by Humberside Police show another large reduction in anti-social behaviour in the Swinemoor area of Beverley.
The data shows that the number of incidents reported between October-December 2023 was 45% lower compared to the same period in 2022. The figures covered Flemingate, Grovehill Road, Cherry Tree Lane, Priory Road and St Nicholas Road.
Working with the community to tackle unwanted behaviour in the Swinemoor area has been a key priority for Graham over the last two years and the continuing reduction in reports is clear evidence that Swinemoor is becoming a safer place to live.
In 2022, Graham chaired two public meetings on anti-social behaviour on St Nicholas Green, Beverley, which were attended by representatives of the local neighbourhood watch, ward councillors Kerri Harold and David Elvidge, Jo Ramsay from the Cherry Tree Centre, and Sgt Sophie Kemp from Humberside Police.
Following the meetings, Humberside Police agreed to more patrols in the area and residents were encouraged to report all incidents of anti-social behaviour. This resulted in figures published in January 2023 showing a 65% reduction on the previous year in Beverley, demonstrating their initiative was successful.
However past increases in the number of cases of anti-social behaviour show why it is so important we continue to take action to prevent it.
In May last year, Graham became concerned over the increase in the number of reports of anti-social behaviour in the area and chaired another meeting attended by Inspector Rob Danby, Sgt Sophie Kemp and 30 residents to ensure the initial success in clamping down on this unwanted behaviour continued.
At the end of the meeting residents and the police agreed it was vital that crimes are reported as they are taking place so police can respond. It is also important to residents that the police are visible on the streets. To continue this positive progress, it is crucial that local people continue to report any incidents they see promptly, and it is vital that the police continue to have a presence in the area.
The police committed to continue to work with local organisations such as the Cherry Tree Centre to increase the number of opportunities available for young people in the area. One way they have already been doing this is through the weekly Twilight Football session, which is attended by up to 80 people a week.
David Elvidge, council candidate for Minster and Woodmansey ward, said: “From my time as a Ward Councillor and Cabinet member for public protection it is reassuring to see that multi agency working with residents can have an impact on reducing antisocial behaviour in the Minster and Woodmansey Ward and all who worked on this are to be congratulated.
“Whilst there is still much work to do to tackle this issue I would urge members of the public to report all incidents of anti-social behaviour so that the Council and Humberside Police can use this information to target their respective resources where they will have the greatest impact.”
Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart said: “The community has come together to tackle this issue and I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in doing so. Despite this success it is vital we continue to push on in our efforts to tackle the scourge of anti-social behaviour especially as the evenings start to get longer. The message is clear: if you see someone engaging in anti-social behaviour such as graffitiing, or intimidating someone, don’t wait, report it. It’s through telling our police officers about these incidents when they’re happening that they can help us put a stop to it.”
