A safety prevention plan has been launched in a bid to “take back Littleport” in response to increased crime, drugs, speeding and anti-social behaviour.
Police say they are currently receiving 20 to 40 calls a month reporting “rowdy and nuisance behaviour fuelled by alcohol along with drug taking and nuisance vehicle use.”
Street pastors, unmarked cars, better enforcement of dispersal orders and more police patrols are among the solutions to make the village safer.
A list of around 30 problems were raised by the public, including an “influx” in comments online, with police saying “public spirit to take back Littleport” is needed.
Community concerns on the list featured glass bottles and broken windows, razor blades, needles, urinating in the street, Harley Memorial, fighting and drag racing.
A meeting attended by Police Sergeant Mark Rabel was held at Littleport Parish Council on August 6.
Sgt Rabel said: “The idea of the meeting was to solicit information to look at how Littleport can be supported to build community resilience for the future.
“It is the intention of Cambs Police to work with the parish council, local residents and businesses to target crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.
“We would like to take a “whole village approach” where we all work together to make Littleport a more desirable place to live.
“We will look to instigate lasting change in Littleport to reduce crime. The Police will not be successful in acting alone - we need every one to take part and help.”
The joint safety operation will be between Cambs Police, East Cambs Community Safety Partnership, East Cambs District Council and Littleport Parish Council.
A series of community events will be held with the Parish Council to take the lead on “reclaiming ownership of public spaces.”
Drop in surgeries, door to door advice coffee mornings and school visits are also planned.
Sgt Rabel continued: “We would like to make the campaign highly visible.
“Together we would like to make the community of Littleport visible involved in crime prevention.
“There will continue to be patrol work which will be targeted around the places and times or “hotspots” where we know that criminals operate.”
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