Police have vowed to crack down on yobbish anti-social behaviour at a scenic city park.

Norwich cops will prioritise tackling crime in and around Eaton Park after concerns were raised by locals.

Norwich Evening News: Eaton Park is a popular destination for city folkEaton Park is a popular destination for city folk (Image: Newsquest)

The latest data from the Norfolk Police crime map shows 65 incidents of anti-social behaviour were reported in the area between January and November last year.

These have included complaints over broken glass in a park known as a hotspot for dog walkers and family days out.

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"Our city parks are meant to be there for the enjoyment of everyone," said Norwich South MP, Clive Lewis.

"It is important they are protected and kept tranquil and inviting. 

Norwich Evening News: Norwich South MP Clive LewisNorwich South MP Clive Lewis (Image: UK Parliament)

"I know anti-social behaviour will put off some people from visiting, and I am supporting council and police efforts to tackle this issue."

Eaton Park dates back to 1928 and is one of the largest public spaces in Norwich.

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It is hugely popular among city folk, offering a children's play area, tennis courts, a boating lake and cafe.

Lord mayor of Norwich, James Wright, who is also a Liberal Democrat city councillor for Eaton, stressed the importance of protecting a "gem of Norwich".

He said: "It is good to see to see the police putting this on their list of priorities.

Norwich Evening News: Lord mayor of Norwich James WrightLord mayor of Norwich James Wright (Image: Norwich City Council)

"Locals have complained of low-level anti-social behaviour for a number of years.

"And we as councillors have been keen to raise this.

"It's annoying, but it shouldn't be enough to put people off coming.

"This is the gem of Norwich's parks and I support the police in their attempts to tackle this."

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A total of 31 criminal incidents in the area were reported to police in November 2023 - the majority of which were violent and/or sexual offences.

Norfolk Police was contacted for comment.

New priorities outlined

Alongside anti-social behaviour at Eaton Park, city police have also set out their other priorities for the new year.

They will also focus on retail thefts in the Riverside area and at small Co-op stores, as well as drug dealing in Ten Bell Court and Oak Street on the edge of the city centre.

The constabulary recently said it was changing the way it chooses priorities.

Norwich Evening News: Police have outlined their priorities for NorwichPolice have outlined their priorities for Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

They will now be informed by linking in with partners and "knowledge of the issues we are aware of in an area".

Police chiefs have also reduced the number of priorities across Norwich to "make them more meaningful" and allow officers to spend more time addressing them.

A spokesman added: "They will no longer solely be decided from Snap (Safer Neighbourhood Action Panel) meetings, although concerns and issues people bring along to these meetings will still be taken into consideration as a priority or dealt with locally."