Crackdown on car meets and racing sees anti-social behaviour fall at Cannock retail park
Cannock Chase Council, Staffordshire Police and the owners and managing agents of the retail park joined forces to tackle the problems
Reports of anti-social behaviour at a Cannock retail park have fallen significantly following a crackdown on car meets, racing and other nuisance behaviour.
Linkway Retail Park had been identified as a hotspot for vehicle-related problems, with reports of organised car meets, excessive noise, racing and drivers performing stunts in the car park.
Retailers had also raised concerns about incidents after stores had closed, including staff feeling intimidated while leaving the site.
Cannock Chase Council, Staffordshire Police and the owners and managing agents of the retail park have since joined forces in an effort to tackle the problems.
Enforcement has included Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) warnings and Section 59 warnings, while vehicles involved in anti-social behaviour can also be seized where appropriate.
ANPR and CCTV cameras have also been installed across the retail park since June.
The council says the combination of additional security and targeted enforcement has resulted in a "marked reduction" in reports from nearby residents and businesses.
Councillor Georgina Jeffery, Cannock Chase Council's community safety and wellbeing portfolio leader, said: “Anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on residents, businesses and visitors, which is why it is so important that organisations work together to address these issues.
“Through our close partnership with Staffordshire Police and the owners and managing agents of Linkway Retail Park, we have been able to take positive action that is making a real difference.
“The reduction in incidents demonstrates what can be achieved when partners share information, coordinate enforcement activity and invest in preventative measures.
“We will continue working together to ensure Linkway Retail Park remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”
Matthew Scotchmer, from CBRE Management, said the improvements demonstrated the value of partnership working between the landlord, CBRE, the council, police and other local organisations.
He added: “By working together to identify the issues and implement targeted security measures, we have seen a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour and an overall improvement in the environment for occupiers, customers and the wider community.”
Inspector David Shorter, of Cannock local policing team, said: “Through talking to residents and partners, Linkway Retail Park was identified as a hotspot for car meets, car racing and excessive noise.
“We used a range of enforcement powers, such as Section 59 notices, to crack down against vehicle-related anti-social behaviour which has resulted in a reduced number of reports.
“We know the impact that this type of behaviour can have on local residents and businesses and we are continuing to work proactively to target anti-social behaviour with our partners in Cannock.”
Residents, businesses and visitors are being encouraged to continue reporting anti-social behaviour to Staffordshire Police by calling 101 or through the force's website. People should call 999 in an emergency.