Woking anti-social activity cut by 21%, police say
A crackdown on anti-social behaviour centred on the night-time economy in a Surrey town has resulted in a 21% reduction, police have said.
Woking neighbourhood commander John Davies said police had worked with Woking Borough Council, Surrey Fire and Rescue and British Transport Police.
He said Operation Dogmatic was aimed at making the town centre a more enjoyable place during the evening.
"We have seen a massive reduction in anti-social behaviour," he said.
"We have been doing it for just over a year now and we are definitely moving in the right direction."
Mr Davies said volunteer Street Angels, who have been working to help vulnerable people out and about in Woking since February 2011, were "absolutely amazing".
He said people who wanted to cause trouble were in a minority.
Eight arrests were made in the town centre last weekend for drug and violent offences. There were also five alcohol seizures and four under-16s whose parents were called to take them home.
"The idea is to tackle those minorities who want to ruin it for other people and get them out of the town," said Mr Davies.
Spot checks were also carried out on pubs, bars and convenience stores selling alcohol to ensure they complied with their licences and a number of hire vehicles were also stopped.