POLICE in the New Forest have said anti-social behaviour (ASB) is having a “massive impact on our community” and have pledged dedication to “tackle” any such incidents.

In a public social media post, officers from Ringwood Police provided a stark assessment on the “damaging” impact ASB is having on neighbouring Fordingbridge amid an apparent rise in reports.

A spokesperson said: “[In] the last few months it has been evident that ASB has been having a massive impact on our community and damaging community welfare.

“Through community engagement events and gathering feedback from residents and businesses, it has quickly become clear that anti-social behaviour was a community priority due to the impact it was having and the potential risks imposed.”

Recent incidents include a local business subjected to “repetitive” ASB incidents which resulted in the installation of CCTV cameras. After reports of youths kicking the property’s door and throwing items into the property, police were able to view footage and identify those responsible.

The spokesperson added: “The youths that were involved and identified were spoken to by means of education on the impact of their behaviour, the types of behaviour considered anti-social and local after school/sport clubs available to them that they can join to deter them from offending or behaving in an anti-social manner.”

A Community Resolution was also issued as an out of court disposal due to the first time offence with a condition to liaise with the police’s Youth Offending Team – officers who help educate young first time offenders.

The spokesperson concluded: “Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams are dedicated and committed to providing an efficient service and delivering on community priorities. We will continually tackle anti-social behaviour collaboratively and continually engage with our communities to identify community-based issues.”