Burstow pleased by progress in North Cheam

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 26th Mar 2007

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, has said he is "cautiously optimistic" about the initial results of a coordinated police operation targeting anti-social behaviour around London Road in North Cheam.

Mr Burstow - who is the President of Sutton Neighbourhood Watch - had been working with the North Cheam Traders Association to highlight the problems cause by anti-social youths in the area. In late February, Sutton Police announced an 8-week coordinated operation, with the Safer Neighbourhood Teams from Cheam, Nonsuch, Stonecot and Worcester Park working together to share information and maintain a strong police presence in the area.

On Friday, Mr Burstow received an update from the police, who say they have seen a significant drop in crime and anti-social behaviour since the launch of the initiative. The police have instead concentrated on escorting youths home to their parents instead of arresting them. The number of youths gathering in the area has started to fall in recent weeks as a result.

Commenting on the news, Paul Burstow MP said:

"This is a good start with the initial results showing what can be achieved with effective coordination between our different safer neighbourhood teams."

"I understand that shopkeepers in the area have begun to notice a difference."

"I am keeping a close watch on the progress of this police action and remain cautiously optimistic that it will deliver the results traders and residents want."

"However, the critical question must be what happens after the 8 week operation is over."