A swift response from Huntingdonshire District Council officers took place last week after receiving a report on repeated spates of vandalism and graffiti at the ambiance café in Riverside St Neots.

Vandals smashed picnic tables and chairs placed outside a café in the town and the café has been the victim of criminal damage on almost a weekly basis over the last two months.

The incident was brought to the council’s attention by the police who asked for their help and support in tackling the problem.

The council took immediate action by trimming back the Willow tree near the Café to enable a better view from the fixed CCTV cameras in the car park. And a temporary CCTV camera was set up on a lighting column to ensure complete coverage of the problem area from which recorded evidence will be handed to police to assist in the detection of offenders.

Colin Hyams, Executive Councillor for Operations, Parks and Countryside, said; “This work demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations all work together for the benefit of the local residents.”
 
Sonia Hansen Streetscene Manager said, “ I would like to thank all officers and organisations involved, the rapid response was due to the quick and efficient working between all organisations, which enabled us to respond to the local concerns as quick as we did. “
 
Many were involved in the operation including the councils CCTV and emergency planning officers, a lighting engineer, arboricultural officers, Street rangers, a lighting contractor, staff from Quadrant Video Systems, Police, and an anti-Social Behaviour Case worker.

Huntingdonshire District Council will continue to work with the police and the community safety partnership to help prevent this type of incident reoccurring.