Kim BriscoeA police focus on anti-social behaviour has seen problems drop by a quarter on a Norwich estate. Now a crime fighting team in Bowthorpe is hoping its success will spur on more families to speak out about the issues they want to be tackled in their area.Kim Briscoe

A police focus on anti-social behaviour has seen problems drop by a quarter on a Norwich estate.

Now a crime fighting team in Bowthorpe is hoping its success will spur on more families to speak out about the issues they want to be tackled in their area.

The Bowthorpe Safer Neighbourhood Action Panel (SNAP) sets it priorities based on what families attending its meetings tell them they want to be addressed.

Last year, members of the public said anti-social behaviour was a problem in the Peverell Road area.

Since then local police officers and neighbourhood wardens have been conducting patrols in the vicinity at key times.

Today police said the initiative had reaped a positive result, with no reported anti-social behaviour since the panel met last year and a 24.8pc reduction of this type of crime in Bowthorpe and Costessey between January 24 and February 21 when compared to the same period last year.

Bowthorpe and Costessey Inspector Rob Wicks said: 'We have listened to residents concerns in the neighbourhood and have focused our resources on targeting anti-social behaviour.

'In response to the concerns raised, officers have carried out high visibility patrols and spoke to young people in the neighbourhood about inappropriate behaviour and how it affects the community.

'There are a number of diversionary activities that the area has to offer. If you have a child who is bored and looking for after school activities please feel free to contact a member of the Bowthorpe and Costessey Safer Neighbourhood Team.'

The panel has also compiled a flyer, which will be sent out inside a neighbourhood news update, listing all the youth activities and services there are in the area.

Andrew Wiltshire, who has recently taken over as chairman of Bowthorpe SNAP, said: 'There was a feeling among residents that they didn't really know what there was for young people to do. We have tried to make it easier by producing our own directory.

'The success in Peverell Road is really positive, even though the police themselves say it is partly down to the very cold weather.

'By having a positive effect we hope more people will be encouraged to come along to our meetings and help set our priorities.

'The SNAP can't do anything if we don't know about it.'

Over the coming months Bowthorpe SNAP will continue to focus on reducing anti-social behaviour and supporting the Bowthorpe Youth Caf�, as well as encouraging more families to participate at SNAP events.

To contact Bowthorpe and Costessey Safer Neighbourhood Team call 0845 456 4567, email sntbowthorpeandcostessey@norfolk.pnn.police.uk or visit the team's page at www.norfolk.police.uk.

Do you have a story for the Evening News? Contact reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk.