Peter WalshA dozen people have been arrested as part of a police crackdown on criminal damage and anti-social behaviour in a villages on the outskirts of the city.Peter Walsh

A dozen people have been arrested as part of a police crackdown on criminal damage and anti-social behaviour in a villages on the outskirts of the city.

People living in Sprowston and Old Catton had become increasingly concerned about anti-social behaviour in parks in the area.

Officers at the Sprowston and Spixworth Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) stepped up their patrols in the areas and carried out more than 130 hours of high visibility patrols, on foot and by car, to target offenders.

In addition to the arrests made for criminal damage, alcohol was seized from underage drinkers, cannabis warnings and fixed penalty tickets were issued, and a moped rider was issued with a warning for driving erratically meaning his bike could be seized if he is stopped again in the next 12 months.

Sergeant Peter Scott from the Sprowston and Spixworth SNT said: 'We have carried out a lot of work to deal with some of the issues raised by residents, which we are determined to put a stop to.

'We have pledged to continue our work to prevent further incidents and will use all means at our disposal.

'Criminal damage is an offence which not only affects individuals but also the wider community.

'The SNT is committed to working with our partners and members of the community to find solutions to long term issues in the area. If you witness any incidents please call us with as many details as possible, times, locations and descriptions, so we can take swift action'.

Along with problems anti-social behaviour and criminal damage at Sprowston Recreation Ground, people living in the area have asked the SNT to crackdown on inconsiderate parking at schools in the area and anti-social behaviour at Sparhawk Park, where older teens are misusing the play equipment.

June Hunt, clerk of Sprowston Parish Council, said: 'We've had anti-social behaviour around the Sprowston area and in our parks. The police have been very influential in eradicating that problem for us and we're working together on that. Unfortunately because of the anti-social behaviour which the council has suffered in the past we have a Zero Tolerance approach to that.'

The crime crackdown follows a similar scheme in the University and Eaton Safer Neighbourhood area where officers have made 11 arrests following complaints about anti-social behaviour in the Avenues, North Park Avenue, Colman Road, and Bluebell Road areas.

For more information about your SNT call 0856 456 4567.

Have you been affected by anti-social behaviour where you live? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk