Police focus on young behaviour

Shropshire's police chief has said he is keen to establish a rapport with young people in the county in a bid to discourage anti-social behaviour.

And West Mercia Chief Constable Paul West has appealed to public sector bodies and voluntary groups to continue working in partnership to control anti-social behaviour in the county.

During a visit to Bridgnorth yesterday, Mr West said: "Bridgnorth and the surrounding area has a long history of partnership working. In these days of economic pressures we may have to pool resources to get the best outcome for the public.

"In some places you spend all your time in meetings but in Bridgnorth these partnerships are very effective."

He said he was also keen to connect with youngsters in an attempt to discourage anti-social behaviour.

"What is offensive for some people may not be so bad for another. Lewd and loud behaviour may offend some, but it could be just a bit of fun with another," he said.

"We have to educate people to see the point of view of others."

The police chief said it was important that his officers recognised that sometimes a quiet word with a reveller could be more beneficial than taking official action.

"Some people need to realise that their behaviour offends. But on the other hand, when a group of young people meet up together in a town centre it doesn't necessarily mean that they are up to no good," he added.

"It's all about tolerance and that is what we have in Bridgnorth and other towns in the area."

He said that the work of local constables like Stuart Lippitt in Much Wenlock and Richard Wood in Bridgnorth town centre helped keep the lid on anti-social problems.

"It's all about tolerance and understanding and if we can be the catalyst for this I will be very happy," said Mr West.

Constable Wood welcomed the chief constable's support.

He said: "We have ongoing operations to engage with young people in the area and also attempt to make the town a better place to live."