ANTI-social behaviour has fallen on Bournemouth’s Townsend estate, thanks to initiatives to make it safer.

Dorset Police have joined forces with housing officers, community groups and Dorset Fire and Rescue to cut down on bad behaviour.

And their hard work has paid off with reported incidents falling from 311 in 2012 to 226 last year, a reduction of more than 27 per cent.

Residents have been given the chance to voice their concerns and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts have been used to monitor the behaviour of young people in the area.

A multi-agency action day was also held in November, organised by the Townsend Safer Neighbourhood Team and attended by several local agencies.

And teams from the agencies visited more than 800 properties to discuss the issues which directly affect the local community.

PC Jo Murphy, of Townsend Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Townsend has, in the past, had a reputation for experiencing problems with anti-social behaviour.

“However, the joint work of the community and local agencies has meant that vast improvements have been made in recent years.

“The team were really enthusiastic and the residents were all willing to get involved and keen to make a difference in Townsend.”

PC Murphy said residents should continue to call police to report any incidents, either on 101 for non- emergencies or 999 for emergencies.

Cllr John Adams said: “We are delighted to see these figures.

“There is great co-operation with the various agencies and the crime figures are down which is very encouraging.”

He added: “When we go round we are very pleased to find fewer problems than we anticipated.”