POLICE have launched extra patrols in six areas of Abingdon blighted by yobs.

The antisocial behaviour hot-spots were highlighted by residents as becoming no-go areas for people terrified of gangs of teenagers.

In response, police have put officers in the areas to hold street briefings with residents to tackle both the incidents of vandalism, criminal damage and yob culture and to reduce the fear of crime.

It is the first time the initiative has run in Oxfordshire and, if successful, could be rolled out across the county.

Chief Insp Andy Boyd, Vale of White Horse police commander, said: “Although Abingdon is a very low crime area, the perceived issue of groups of youths has been highlighted as a concern by local residents.

“This operation encourages residents to come and talk to us so that we can work with the community and enhance the opportunity to gather local intelligence and work with all members of the community to reduce this perceived fear. We also hope that by having a highly visible presence in the area, we can speak to young people and work positively with them to find ways in which they can channel their energy.”

The first street briefing was held at Peachcroft Road, in Peachcroft, on Friday, September 25.

Officers held a second meeting with residents in the street on October 2 outside Budgens in Northcourt Road.

A third briefing took place at Abbey Gardens and Abbey Meadows on October 16, and 19 residents met at another event in Albert Park last Friday.

Police will be at Long Furlong Community Centre, in Boulter Drive, tomorrow, and at Market Square in central Abingdon on November 6.

About 650 residents answered a survey during the summer about their fears and policing priorities.

The majority named gangs of youths as their main concern and also identified the six trouble hot-spots.

Sgt Kevin Hickman, of Abingdon police, said: “Earlier in the year Abingdon residents were surveyed in order to establish their top areas of concern regarding safety and quality of life issues in order for the Neighbourhood Action Group (Nag) and neighbourhood team to resolve.

“The findings were presented to the Nag at a meeting in the summer and ‘groups of youths’ was top.”

The pilot scheme is part of Operation Confidence, which aims to tackle antisocial behaviour, and runs until December 19.

South Oxfordshire district councillor Pat Lonergan attended the briefing in Peachcroft Road.

He said: “When I was there it was rather quiet in terms of residents turning up. But I would gladly see it continue.”

Between April 1 and September 30 this year there have been 732 reports of antisocial behaviour in the town, which is a drop from 862 during the same period last year.