‘Riot van’ full of PCSOs deployed to tackle nightime troublemakers
A ‘RIOT van’ with PCSOs ready to deal with disturbances is being used to tackle a rise in anti-social behaviour - and officers say the method is working.
Residents in Cheadle Heath have complained about groups of up to 30 youths intimidating people and causing trouble in the Stockport Road and Kingsland Road area.
The problem saw a public meeting take place between police and the community last month to discuss what is being done to tackle it.
And now a team of PCSOs is ready to respond to trouble Monday to Thursday, after 6pm, in a riot van.
Sergeant Phil Lowe, from Stockport police, told a Central Area Committee meeting: “They all team up into a riot van for want of a better thing, it is a personnel carrier.
“They will respond to any reports of disorder. We still have a problem but we are doing something, it is coming down.”
At weekends an additional police officer and PCSO have been drafted in to beef up patrols in the area.
Sgt Lowe says as a result reports of youth nuisance and rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour have decreased.
Serious anti-social behaviour issues began in February 2017 and brought about Operation Barometer to tackle the problem.
It then re-emerged at the end of last year, starting with stone throwing but then escalating into greater disorder.
Other tactics used to deal with the nuisance include dispersal orders, plans to set up diversionary activities and work alongside youth services are also involved
Police have also visited troublemakers’ parents at home but have found this tactic to be hit and miss.
Constable Steve Webster told a Central Area Committee: “You get a varying reaction, some are horrified and you don’t see the kid again, some are not bothered in the slightest.
“The thing with working in partnership is you can gauge that. Our whole ethos is to try and keep the kids out of the justice system.”
It was said CCTV will soon be put up in the area but authorities are waiting for a pole to put the camera on.