Police increase patrols following concerns of anti-social behaviour in Cambridgeshire village

A parish council said the concerns are ‘being taken seriously’

Police have increased patrols in a Cambridgeshire village following several concerns that were raised regarding anti-social behaviour. Cottenham Parish Council said it is aware of “many residents” being worried about the recent anti-social behaviour in the village.

It said these concerns are “being taken seriously”. Cambridgeshire Police said they are aware of recent incidents in Cottenham involving damage to local facilities, including the cricket club, play equipment and a shed.

Police were also called to reports of a quad bike and motorbike being “ridden recklessly” across a village recreation ground on Wednesday, June 3. Cottenham Parish Council previously claimed that the incident caused damage and created a “serious safety concern”.

The council, who said the vehicles were being driven “recklessly”, reported the incident to the police who received “quite a few” calls about it. Officers attended but those involved had left the area, according to Cambridgeshire Police.

In a new statement, Cottenham Parish Council said: “We know many residents are concerned about the recent anti-social behaviour in the village, and we’d like to reassure everyone that these concerns are being taken seriously.

“The Parish Council has been in regular contact with our Neighbourhood Policing Team, and we are working closely together regarding the issues that have been reported.”

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “Anti-social behaviour is a priority for many of our neighbourhood policing teams across Cambridgeshire, and we know it’s something residents want us to focus on.

“While we don’t believe Cottenham has higher levels of anti-social behaviour than similar villages, we are aware of a small number of recent reports involving damage to local facilities, including the cricket club, play equipment and a shed.”

The police force and parish council has urged anyone who experiences anti-social behaviour to report it to Cambridgeshire Police by calling 101 or reporting it online. Cottenham Parish Council added: “Every report helps to build a clearer picture and supports any action that may be taken.”