Stroud Town Council and Gloucestershire Constabulary have launched a joint initiative to tackle antisocial behaviour in the town centre.

The two organisations are calling on people to report all anti-social incidents so that the police can take a pro-active approach.

Stroud Insp Sarah Blake is asking the community for help by reporting incidents to police as one of the challenges they face is that not all incidents are reported.

"Once we have the information then we can see what areas need attention, though please be mindful that investigations and the issuing of warrants take time," said Insp Blake.

"Stroud in general is a safe place and we are committed to ensuring it stays that way, but we need people to please continue to report incidents to us so that we can take appropriate action.

"If you see something in the area you are concerned by, please report this online through our website or by calling 101."

The police will continue to work together in partnership with the council and non-statutory agencies to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Posters explaining how to report antisocial behaviour will be displayed around the town centre. The posters have been sponsored by local business Wheatley Printers Ltd.

The initiative follows a multi-agency meeting organised by the Town Council to consider to find long-term solutions to antisocial behaviour and how organisations can work together.

Kevin Cranston, Mayor of Stroud, said: "I am delighted that we can work in conjunction with Gloucestershire Constabulary and encourage people to report incidents. So many times this doesn't happen and we cannot expect the police to respond if they don't even know that an incident has occurred.

"We want make sure people who live and work in Stroud feel safe and welcome in our town and ensure those who need help and support can access it."

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Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl has backed the initiative.

"My first beat was Stroud, and it never ceases to amaze me the level of community spirit and can-do attitude," said Mr Surl.

"The town has led the way in bringing people together to try and look at solutions but agencies alone cannot do it, we need local residents to play their part.

"That goes right across the public sector and with dwindling resources we need communities to step up. The police can only act on the information they have, so if they don't know they cannot act.

"I urge residents to make sure they keep the police informed, through the community alerts system, online through the website or anonymously via Crime Stoppers."

To provide information to police or report a crime online, please visit: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/do-it-online/ 

Always dial 999 in the case of an emergency.

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