A CLAMPDOWN on anti-social behaviour around a recreation ground in Petersfield has been launched.

The Petersfield Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) is stepping up patrols around the Bramble Road area in a bid to “prevent and deter unwanted behaviour”.

The NPT has made a clampdown one of their current top three policing priorities based on community feedback and crime reports.

A number of residents have reported issues with congregating youths and the nature of their activities.

Town councillors were also recently told that some people around the recreation ground feel they are being “targeted” by youths who are persistently and deliberately kicking balls at residential windows.

The current top priority for the Petersfield NPT is reducing the number of retail and purse thefts in the town centre as they remain at a concerning level, while the second is reducing the number of thefts from motor vehicles.