COMMUNITIES blighted by disorderly behaviour such as reckless off-road bikers and arson attacks will see extra patrols by officers this week, police say.

In recent months, anti-social behaviour has hit parts of St Helens, with discarded drug paraphernalia, and scams and cold-callers other issues troubling communities.

Now a collaborative effort to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) across St Helens, with help and support on offer to those affected by it.

As part of the first national ASB awareness week, Merseyside Police is working alongside local communities and partners to increase focus on anti-social behaviour, and continue to improve the safety of our communities.

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Described as one of the police’s “priorities”, this will include educational school visits, quad bike patrols and high visibility presence in hot spot areas, as well as engaging with communities about issues affecting them.

During the pandemic, the National Police Chief’s Council identified an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour across the country, particularly during the periods of lockdowns.

ASB awareness week is intended to prevent this trend from continuing and help people to feel safe in their community as life begins to resume without covid restrictions.

Chief Superintendent for Local Policing, Zoe Thornton, said: “This awareness week offers an opportunity to highlight the issues of ASB and the impact it can have on the local communities.

“People deserve to feel safe where they live and our activities this week will highlight some of the work that we undertake on a daily basis to support our communities and tackle ASB.”

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell, added: “Anti-social behaviour can have a hugely damaging effect for victims who are repeatedly and persistently targeted. It causes fear, stress, anxiety, depression, and leaves people too scared to leave their front door and even afraid while they are inside their own home.”

“That’s why tackling and preventing ASB is one of my priorities. I welcome the launch of the UK’s first official ASB Awareness Week and all the fantastic multi-agency initiatives planned by Merseyside Police and our partners over the next week and beyond.”