Operation Confidence

Operation Confidence is a concerted effort to address crime and disorder, and highlight what Thames Valley Police, its partners and local residents are doing to make communities safer.

The campaign, which was launched in October 2009, sees police, councils and partners informing local people about what they are doing to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Steve Rowell, who is leading the operation, said: “Anti-social behaviour is a priority in the majority of neighbourhoods in Thames Valley, and it is something we take very seriously.

“We have succeeded in reducing anti-social behaviour in many neighbourhoods through a combination of increased police patrols and community engagement. But it remains a problem in too many places, and too many people’s lives are blighted by the inconsiderate, selfish or threatening actions of others.”

"We want people to have the confidence to get involved and make their communities safer."

Each Thames Valley Local Police Area (LPA) is running its own operations to target issues such as drunken disorder, violence, criminal damage and other crimes that impact on the quality of life of Thames Valley people. They will focus on reducing ASB, protecting and supporting victims and, where necessary, bringing offenders to justice. The operations are planned to target the issues that matter most within each neighbourhood.

During ‘Operation Confidence’, activities include:

• Test purchasing and proxy sales operations in off licences and nightclubs.
• Targeted patrols in conjunction with local authority anti-social behaviour teams.
• Test purchasing of fireworks, knives and other bladed weapons with partners from Trading Standards.
• Halloween and fireworks safety visits to schools.
• Street briefings of neighbourhood patrols in community centres and parks.
• Distribution of ‘No Trick or Treat’ posters by neighbourhood teams.
• Action against mini-motos.

ACC Rowell continued: “With this campaign, we want to increase awareness among local residents of what we are doing to deal with anti-social behaviour, and encourage them to take an active part in tackling it.

“We cannot tackle anti-social behaviour if we don’t know about it, so it’s vital that local people engage with us and report incidents when they happen. One of the most effective ways of reducing crime and disorder is for police, councils and communities to work together.

“We want people to have the confidence to get involved and make their communities safer.”

How to report anti-social behaviour

Anti-social behaviour is any persistent activity that causes alarm, harassment or distress. It can include excessive noise, drunken loutish behaviour, or vandalism.

• If anti-social behaviour is affecting your quality of life, or making you fear for your safety or the safety of others, call 101, the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number.
• Alternatively, contact the anti-social behaviour coordinator at your local council (opens new window).
• More ways to report anti-social behaviour.

ACC Rowell added: “Our ability to deal effectively with anti-social behaviour is a significant factor in how confident our communities are in the service we provide. It is vital that we get this right.”

As well as encouraging children to be aware of the consequences of their actions, Thames Valley Police is also asking adults to understand the needs of children and allow them to play safely in their local neighbourhood.

The operation is also an opportunity to highlight the misconception that only young people get involved in anti-social behaviour – most anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) are served on adults.