POLICE in Burnham and Highbridge are celebrating a huge drop in anti-social behaviour calls.

Anti-social behaviour has been a priority for Avon and Somerset Police in the Burnham sector since 2009 after many communities across the area raised it as a neighbourhood priority.

Calls dropped a massive 31.88 per cent in 2009-2010, adding to the previous year’s drop of 8.29 per cent.

Highbridge in particular has seen a huge drop, with a reduction in calls of 59.33 per cent over the last two years.

Police say the drop in calls is a result of working with community residents on a variety of different projects, such as the Dream-Scheme, Local Action Teams and neighbourhood, business and Pub Watch schemes.

Sergeant Marc Jobson from Burnham-on-Sea Police Station said “The introduction of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) has made a significant impact in helping to build trust and confidence within our communities and allows police officers to carry out other duties in tackling crime.

“I encourage everyone to take an active role within their communities for the benefit of their neighbourhood.

“If you have any concerns, don’t suffer in silence – stand together with the police and make a difference.”

The police are encouraging community residents to contact them with their concerns and to support their local ‘Have Your Say’ (previously Partners and Communities Together) meetings or register their concerns and policing priorities online at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

Residents can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org