Police launch 'winter of action' initiative to tackle crime in Peterborough city centre
Peterborough is set to benefit from a new government ‘Winter of Action’ initiative to tackle crime.
Peterborough is one of the areas chosen to pilot new “HEX” hotspot zones, small, carefully mapped areas where knife crime and violence are most concentrated.
These zones, each roughly the size of 10 football pitches, will use local data and police intelligence so officers can focus patrols and problem‑solving where they will make the biggest difference.
This follows the Safer Streets summer initiative that saw more than 16,000 arrests and fines nationally and increased visible patrols in town centres.
In Peterborough, this is set to put fresh focus on tackling crime and antisocial behaviour in the city centre.
Police have confirmed that will be the focus with patrols to reassure the public and combat persistent issues with an approach as well as a focus on retail crime.
Area commander for Peterborough and Fenland for Cambridgeshire Police Superintendent Ben Martin said: “Tackling ASB was a key theme of the Safer Streets Summer campaign we took part in earlier this year. It saw increased high visibility patrols in the city centre as both a deterrent and to deal with any behaviour witnessed.
“This produced some excellent results, including arrests for drug offences, the enforcement of Public Space Protection Orders and a considerable amount of engagement with local people and businesses.
“I’m pleased to say, the government has announced a Winter of Action as a follow-up campaign to continue this momentum.
“Anti-social behaviour will again be a focus, with patrols to reassure the public and combat persistent issues. Our approach will combine enforcement with prevention, ensuring any anti-social behaviour is addressed swiftly and effectively.
“As well as ASB, a key theme will be retail crime - focussing on prolific offenders and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.
“Retail crime can have a significant impact on staff, particularly if thefts are accompanied with threats or even violence. I believe we have made some really good progress in this area, particularly with the introduction of the Spree Offender Team, but it’s important we continue to do all we can to tackle the issue and support businesses."
Andrew Pakes MP for Peterborough said: “Peterborough has been crying out for more visible policing and tougher action on town centre crime for far too long. The extra officers from Labour’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, combined with this new Winter of Action focus on our city, mean we are finally starting to see the scale of response people here have been asking for.
Whether it is shoplifting, antisocial behaviour or knife crime, people in Peterborough deserve to feel safe when they come into the city centre. The new HEX hotspot work shows government and local partners are now zeroing in on the areas of greatest concern. My job is to make sure Peterborough keeps getting its fair share of resources so we can rebuild confidence in our high streets and support the workers and businesses who keep our city going.”