A NEW car and a police pledge have helped cut antisocial behaviour in Weston.

A NEW car and a police pledge have helped cut antisocial behaviour in Weston.

Police officers have promised to tackle the issue as historically there is often an increase in call outs as evenings get lighter.

But officers in Weston and the surrounding villages have been engaging with young people and are dealing robustly with repeat offenders in the hope of clamping down on antisocial behaviour call outs.

Police teams in the town have been joining forces every night of the week to patrol the area in a new 'ASB Car', responding to calls as they come in.

Sergeant Shane Hawkings from the south ward team said: "The car was introduced in November 2009 and has so far proved a real success.

"There has been a 12 per cent reduction in calls to the police in North Somerset regarding antisocial behaviour compared to the same period last year.

"There has also been a 28 per cent reduction in calls regarding criminal damage.

"That is a total of more than 500 fewer crimes.

"We have also introduced a more 'victim-focussed' approach, ensuring we feedback to everyone who calls about antisocial behaviour to update them on the actions taken."

The south ward team, which covers Weston's four estates, have also been working closely with the youth offending team, schools and social services to tackle the problem.