HIGH profile policing and a zero tolerance policy on anti-social behaviour is returning to Lydney.
The crackdown follows a long period in which the town has been policed mainly by CCTV cameras.
But last Saturday night a police sergeant and six officers were on foot patrol in addition to three fully crewed mobile units. And the pressure is to be stepped up even more by the arrival of the Gemini team – a special operations squad – who will operate from the town's police station on a fulltime basis.
The police will also be increasing their presence throughout Tidenham and West Dean.
Confirming the moves this week, Inspector David Smith said the action was a positive response to concerns expressed by members of the public.
"We have received a string of complaints about anti-social behaviour and speeding vehicles mainly in the area of Newerne Street, Hams Road and Bathurst Park. There will now be an immediate increase in policing levels and the policy will be to move gangs of trouble-makers on.
"If they don't like it there will arrests. We are no longer prepared to put up with the anti-social behaviour of a small minority who think they can get away with whatever they like," he said.
Gemini team officers, who operate in plain clothes and in uniform, will concentrate on other issues of concern such as drugs.
The action plan will be ongoing and could even involve the police using powers under the Safer Estates Initiative to remove troublesome families from their homes.
West Dean parish villages such as Bream, Whitecroft and Yorkley will have their own sergeant with a team of three officers.
The police will continue to use the CCTV cameras as back-up and will be suggesting some changes such as the removal of some trees to give even better vision.