Residents in Northampton town centre will see two new Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) officers on the streets as part of a new 12-month initiative launched by West Northamptonshire Council and Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone.
Funded through the Government’s ASB Action Plan via the OFPCC, the initiative provides a visible, uniformed presence within the Northampton Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) area. The new ASB officers are on duty six days a week, including weekends when footfall in the town is at its highest, engaging with the public and local businesses.
The officers offer advice and guidance on ASB-related issues, with a particular focus on engaging with young people across our area. Their role aims to discourage individuals who are involved in low-level crime and anti-social behaviour towards positive activities and support organisations. Officers will work both independently and alongside the Local Central Neighbourhood Policing Team.
In addition to providing support and helping people to access local services and activities in their local area, the ABS officers are authorised to enforce the PSPO. While their approach prioritises education and early intervention, they are empowered to issue Fixed Penalty Notices where necessary, ensuring that the town centre remains a safe and welcoming space for all.
Early feedback from residents and businesses has been positive and encouraging. Many have reported feeling safer and more confident in the town centre, with increased willingness to share intelligence and report incidents directly to the officers.
Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said: “I want our town centres to be safe places that are welcoming to everyone. Anti-social behaviour has an enormous impact on people’s lives and livelihoods, and funding these officers is one way that we can show we have listened to concerns about the issues that concern people in Northampton town centre and are tackling them head on. I am so pleased to be working in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council to make a difference to our county town.”
Councillor Charlie Hastie, cabinet member for housing and community safety at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “It is great to be working closely with the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone on this initiative, focusing on making Northampton Town Centre a safer and more inviting place to all, and our two new ASB officers play a huge part in achieving this. Over the next 12 months they will be working together with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team and businesses to help reduce anti-social behaviour in the town centre.”
Nic Davis-Lyons, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector at Northamptonshire Police, added: “We have developed a really good relationship with our ASB officers and their presence in the town has already resulted in positive feedback from local residents and businesses. Making our town centre a nice place to live, visit and work in, is a priority for us on the Northampton Neighbourhood Policing Team, and we’re grateful to work alongside partners with exactly the same aim.”
