Police given £1m to target anti-social 'hotspots'

Norfolk Police said the extra patrols resulted in 198 arrests in the past year

A police force has been given £1m to improve efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The Op Focus scheme, funded by the government, allowed Norfolk Police to add extra patrols in "hotspots" of Great Yarmouth and Norwich when it was launched in May 2024.

The scheme is now being extended to 21 areas across the county.

Supt Sutherland Lane said: "We are often told how the public would like to see more officers patrolling the streets in their local areas, so I am really pleased that we will be able to continue to deliver this for the next year."

Norwich Market is one of the places to have an increased police presence

The hotspots within Norwich include the market, Chantry, Prince of Wales Road and Riverside.

Further afield, the hotspots include King's Lynn West and East, Downham Market town centre, Dereham town centre, Thetford town centre, Thetford Abbey, Thetford Pine, Diss town centre, Britannia Pier, Gorleston town centre, Nelson Road South, St George's Park, Great Yarmouth seafront, Great Yarmouth Market Place and Howard Street.

The force said as a result of the scheme, officers had made 198 arrests, conducted 122 stop and searches and seized 17 weapons.

Supt Lane said: "Targeted hotspot patrols are key to disrupting and preventing crime as well as engaging with our local communities.

"This additional funding gives us the opportunity to focus our resources in areas where serious violence and anti-social behaviour is having a direct impact on the quality of life of residents and businesses."