Cassiobury Park had 15 reports of anti-social behaviour in July

Last week the chief inspector in Watford suggested targeted operations have been working to resolve high reports of anti-social behaviour and drug taking.

Police have been stepping up patrols since June and the council installed a barrier in Gade Avenue car park to prevent vehicles from getting into the car park overnight.

But despite efforts made to tackle anti-social behaviour, there have been continued reports this month of large gatherings with loud music, and drug use.

On Sunday (July 12) between 4pm and 7.30pm, police were called three times about such a gathering in Cassiobury Park.

Officers attended each time and tried to identify those involved by working with CCTV operators in the town, but police say once they arrived it appeared that the group playing loud music already moved on.

A previous incident where canisters were left in Gade Avenue car park

Sergeant Matt Langley, who leads the Watford Outer Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Since the start of the month, we received 15 calls in relation to issues in this location.

“In response, we have worked in partnership with Watford Borough Council to get a barrier installed so the car park can be closed at night. This alone has resulted in a reduction in calls to us in relation to gatherings.

“Colleagues from Veolia, the council’s environmental waste contractor, are regularly clearing debris and litter from the park, and are passing information on around anything of note such as nitrous oxide canisters or other drugs paraphernalia. The park rangers are also carrying out consistent patrols and sharing information with us on a regular basis.

A barrier installed earlier by the council

“Local intervention officers have been briefed and have been stepping up patrols of both the park and the town’s nearby car parks in the evening, which seems to be a hotspot time for anti-social behaviour and drug activity.

“Safer Neighbourhood Team officers are patrolling the park during every shift, either on foot or on bicycle. So far, no individuals have been identified as repeat offenders but we will continue to patrol and if anyone is identified, we will use all available proportionate powers to address this type of behaviour which we know can have a huge impact on the community.”

Known incidents in Cassiobury Park since the beginning of June

June 2 - two boys, both aged 15, threatened with a knife and robbed leaving the park

June 15 - two teenage girls touched inappropriately. One man arrested.

June 17 - reports of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in Gade Avenue car park

June 21 - mini grey canisters left scattered across Gade Avenue car park

Sergeant Langley continued: “We are constantly working behind the scene to gather intelligence which helps us further target our resources to the areas that need them most.

“This is where reports from the public are vital in helping us pinpoint the real hotspots so please make sure you report all incidents to us so we build an accurate picture of the issues.”

To report information, visit herts.police.uk/report, or herts.police.uk/contact, use the non-emergency number 101, or use the ‘echo’ community feedback tool to tell police which issues are in the area at bit.ly/police-watford.