Cotswolds team launches competition to tackle anti-social behaviour

Officers in the Cotswolds, with the help of local children, get creative to tackle anti-social behaviour at the lakes this summer.

Children in the Cotswolds have been invited to pick up their crayons and design posters to discourage anti-social behaviour (ASB) in and around the water park.

Over the past year the Neighbourhood Policing Team has been working closely with partner agencies, The Lakes Trust, residents and private firms around the lakes in the Cotswolds to reduce ASB.

ASB at the lakes caused the Constabulary a great deal of demand last year, as well as negatively impacting local residents, businesses and visitors. 

A drawing competition was launched this month, aimed at pupils in reception to year six to educate and advertise the harm and impact ASB has.

The aim of the competition is to raise awareness of how ASB impacts people and the environment - it can range from parking on verges, leaving litter, endangering wildlife, unauthorised swimming and barbeques to not keeping dogs on leads.

18 schools which are within a couple of miles radius of the lakes have been invited to take part in the competition which comes to a close on the 30 June with winners and prizes being given.

Data and evidence shows that engagement with schools to raise awareness of the harm of ASB has an important role to play in preventing the behaviour now and in the future. Gloucestershire Constabulary's School Beat officers work effectively to develop this important engagement and link with young people in the county.

Local Policing Sergeant Jo Stevens said: "The Cotswolds Neighbourhood Team are fully aware of the issues of anti-social behaviour in and around the lakes in the Cotswolds.

"Part of our response to ASB is increased patrols in the area but a longer-term solution is to engage with the schools in preventing ASB behaviour and to raise awareness of its impact.

"On the Cotswolds Neighbourhood Team we have recently been joined by new PCSOs who are loving getting involved in the local schools and community. Additionally they have been actively engaging with the local partners, The Cotswold Lake Trust and business around the lakes.

"We fully understand how ASB causes harm to others. It is a nuisance and can stop people enjoying themselves.

"We have launched this exciting drawing competition; we want to promote people to enjoy a positive experience in the Cotswolds and around the lakes.

"The team are looking forward to receiving all the amazing entries."

Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said: "Anti-social behaviour in any form is unacceptable, which is why I have made tackling it one of my priorities.

"This is an age group that is not afraid to show its concern for the environment and I hope that by taking part in this competition they will inspire others to show the same respect. 

"It’s a great way of getting the message across and I congratulate everyone involved."