POLICE have said they are continuing to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Pickering following a spate of recent incidents.

Officers launched Operation Abroad last week to deal with a recent increase in reports of ASB.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Martin Dennison said: “North Yorkshire Police and the Safer Neighbourhood Team at Ryedale are continuing with high-visibility policing of the Pickering and Northern Ryedale areas following an increase in reports of ASB and disorder.”

“With Operation Abroad running for just over a week reactive and pre-emptive dispersal authorities have been granted each day.”

Insp Dennison added: “On nine occasions individuals were dispersed from areas of Pickering.

“There have been four arrests, two for failing to comply with the dispersal authority, one for drug offences and one for public order offences.

“North Yorkshire Police have deployed over 30 officers, Special Constables and PCSOs on Operation Abroad patrols in the past eight days.

“We are aware that enforcement represents a short-term solution and we are working with Ryedale District Council and our other multi-agency partners in creating an approach that will see diversion, education and support as part of a longer-term solution.”

Anyone with further information should contact police on 101.