ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour hot spots in two villages are to be targeted by police. Neighbourhood panel meetings took place in Bassingbourn, Melbourn, and Gamlingay last week, and following discussions with residents, officers from Cambridgeshire Police have se

ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour hot spots in two villages are to be targeted by police.

Neighbourhood panel meetings took place in Bassingbourn, Melbourn, and Gamlingay last week, and following discussions with residents, officers from Cambridgeshire Police have set their priorities for the next three months.

Four problem areas for anti-social behaviour have been highlighted in Bassingbourn and Melbourn. These are Bassingbourn recreation ground, and the High Street, The Moor and Vicarage Close in Melbourn.

Over in Gamlingay, officers will be looking at general anti-social behaviour and burglary.

Insp Chris Savage, who oversees the area, said: "Residents and business representatives in the Bassingbourn, Melbourn and Gamlingay areas have had their opportunity to get involved in the decisions surrounding the policing of their area.

"The new priorities will see the teams continue to carry out work to target anti-social behaviour and burglary. We want to make the area safer for residents and visitors alike," he said.

Officers have been busy in the last three months addressing the points raised at the last panel meetings, held in May.

Action taken following the meetings has included meeting with staff at Melbourn's Spar shop to ensure ID was checked for all young people buying alcohol, and increased patrols of Mel Wood, Meldreth, which was previously highlighted as a problem area for ant-social behaviour.

Insp Savage said: "We have had a number of successes over the past three months with regards to tackling crime and disorder in the Bassingbourn, Melbourn and Gamlingay areas.

"This was the result of partnership work, specialist operations and patrols to ensure those who were committing criminal offences were targeted.