POLICE patrols will be stepped up in Charford and Rock Hill after concerns were raised about the levels of crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
Insp David King from Bromsgrove Safer Neighbourhood Team was approached by councillors Michael Thompson, Chris Bloore and Sean Shannon who had been contacted by concerned residents.
Among the issues people had raised were youths gathering in the alleyway which linked Housman Close and Rock Hill.
In a joint letter from the three councillors to Insp King, they said people’s boundaries had been damaged, items had been stolen and condoms had been thrown into people’s gardens.
They added they were also concerned for the safety of those who used the path, including the elderly and young schoolchildren.
And they requested a larger police presence in a bid to eliminate the problem before it got our of control.
“As councillors, we remain committed to finding and funding initiatives to stop our youths turning to crime.
“We need, however, your support in the matter of enforcement and prevention.”
Insp King said he had been down to speak to one of the residents in Worcester Road who had expressed concerns about anti-social behaviour in the alleyway and he had raised it with the Community Safety Partnership.
“We are stepping up patrols in and around that area to give some re-assurance to residents.”
He said with new officers being recruited by West Mercia Police.
North Worcestershire Division has bid for a number of the new officers and Insp King said he was hopeful some of them would be allocated to Bromsgrove and could help with issues such as this in the future.
