Somerset has missed out on a round of additional police funding as part of a national crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Although Dorset and South Wales were amongst the 16 areas earmarked for extra cash, Somerset will not be receiving more money as part of the 'hotspot' scheme.

The government initiative sees 16 areas afforded extra funds as new 'hotspot' police patrols and 'immediate justice' measures are trialled.

The new measures could involve anti-social offenders forced to don high vis jackets and pick up litter while under police supervision, and will see nitrous oxide, which can be used as a recreational drug, banned.

Despite Somerset missing out, the county's Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford welcomed the measures in the government announcement. He said:  “Anti-social behaviour has a detrimental impact on our communities, making people feel unsafe in their neighbourhoods.

“While our force area was not included in the policing hotspot areas – these areas were identified as having the highest rates of anti-social behaviour in the country - I have confidence that Avon and Somerset Police are already taking positive steps to tackle these issues and make our communities feel safer.

“I know the southwest regional drug intensification week continues to reassure our communities that Avon and Somerset Police are proactively tackling drug-related crime, including anti-social behaviour such as littering drug waste. 

“The weeks of action seek to help those who may be vulnerable to exploitation and encourage those who live in our neighbourhoods to report any concerns they have around drug activity.”

“Finally, I want to highlight the Streetsafe online tool that enables local people to anonymously pinpoint on a map the location where they felt unsafe. The tool allows residents to help identify areas where there are fears caused by anti-social behaviour and environment issues such as lack of street lighting, abandoned buildings and vandalism. 

“No crime needs to have been committed in order for local people to submit information and, most importantly, the information provided will be considered by the police to inform community safety activities of officers and local authorities.”

Other measures included in the new crackdown include increasing fines for graffiti, fly-tipping and littering and a pledge to tackle the practice of 'cuckooing' whereby drugs gangs occupy the homes of vulnerable people to further their criminal operations.

Responding to the new measures, John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network, said:

Neighbourhood Watch welcomes the clear, strong focus on tackling antisocial behaviour. We believe everyone should be and feel safe in their communities and not worry about being a victim of harassment or antisocial behaviour.

Reducing antisocial behaviour requires organisations and community members to work together, and the wide-ranging plan being launched champions that. It enables the public who take pride in their community to be included.

Neighbourhood Watch volunteers are local residents who work with neighbours and others to make their area a better place to live, and this plan supports them in achieving this."