POLICE chiefs have reiterated the work the force is doing to tackle the anti-social behaviour and crime plaguing Poole bus station.

Yesterday

the Echo revealed the interchange had seen over 60 incidents in the first three months of the year

- although they are not all classified as crime.

However the data does seem to back up suggestions made last year that behaviour in and around the station is 'appalling.'

Chief Inspector Pete Browning, of Poole police, said: “We are aware of a current issue relating to the bus station and surrounding area of Poole involving youth-related anti-social behaviour.

"The local neighbourhood policing team are actively engaging with the senior managers of the bus companies, Dolphin Centre and key partners, including youth social services and the youth offending services.

“It is important to be clear that ASB in the area has remained consistent over the last few years and while some crimes have involved young people, a number have been committed by adults.”

Police say there a number of initiatives taking place through partnership working including:

  • Community Consequences Scheme - a staged process involving parents by highlighting the need for their awareness, and more importantly support, in preventing further offences.This scheme is aimed at dealing with those who are on the edge of offending or are offending at a low-level in a bid to reduce the numbers involved. Those that continue to cause problems in the community can be expected to be dealt with more robustly.
  • Pop-up youth clubs – youth services has been successful in bidding for funding to provide a mobile pop-up youth club in those areas affected by youth-related anti-social behaviour. This will be supported by youth services, local neighbourhood teams and community volunteers to divert young people away from offending through the provision of alternative and meaningful activities with other support around their lifestyles. This will aim to remove those involved away from the hot spots.
  • Reducing or remove the potential for crime by boarding up inappropriate cut-throughs and displaying positive messages about the area, encourage a general deep clean and provide improved lighting to make the area feel brighter and more welcoming.
  • Exploring the addition of an extra CCTV camera.
  • Fast track process – youth court space has been freed up to ensure that cases are heard quickly to reduce the likelihood of re-offending.
  • Enhanced patrols are in place at the key relevant times and the use of appropriate legislation including preventative powers, such as injunctions, is considered to address the offending behaviour of a small minority of people involved.