POLICE have promised to take a tough stand on anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in Royston. This was the message as new neighbourhood inspector Jason Thorne and neighbourhood sergeant Peter Frost took up their roles. Sgt Frost will be based at Roy

POLICE have promised to take a tough stand on anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in Royston.

This was the message as new neighbourhood inspector Jason Thorne and neighbourhood sergeant Peter Frost took up their roles.

Sgt Frost will be based at Royston police station, and will report to Insp Thorne, who will also cover Baldock, and Letchworth.

Insp Thorne said: "Royston remains an area with a low crime rate, but the main areas of concern locally are criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

"We're combating this through the safer neighbourhoods scheme, which will see the focus of policing move towards a more community-led system."

The safer neighbourhoods scheme has seen panels of residents who meet regularly and discuss issues with their community support officer.

After starting his career as a police officer in Baldock, Insp Thorne worked as an inspector in the identification and facial imaging unit in Hertford.

He said he wanted to encourage the setting up of Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and to build on working with the rural communities.

Sgt Frost said: "I'm keen to speak to local people and plan to attend local panel meetings as often as I can.

"I would also like comments from youngsters. If there's anything we can do for them they need only to let us know."

Sgt Frost will take over from Sgt Clive Reader.

He said: "A combination of partnership working, accessibility, visabilty and crime prevention will help us tackle issues and reassure the public.

"Working with the public we can ensure that Royston and surrounding areas are a safe place to live.

Sgt Frost has worked as a Detective Sergeant in Hertford and most recently Stevenage.

Insp Thorne also stressed the need to work with young people. He said: "There is new legislation in place which gives us the power to disperse groups causing a nuisance.

However, we know the vast majority of youths behave themselves, and we don't want to unfairly use these powers.

"We're also aware that there are never enough things for young people to do, and we are actively looking into providing diversionary projects wherever possible," he added.