Twenty-seven people have stopped committing further offences since a crackdown on anti-social behaviour and street drinking was set up in a town.

Operation Luscombe was launched by police three months ago to tackle issues related to homelessness and begging in problem areas around the town centre in Wisbech.

Since then officers have worked in partnership with specialist organisations such as housing providers and addiction services. 

Insp Andy Morris, of Cambridgeshire police, said so far 32 people had been offered help and support, of which 27 have stopped offending and have not caused any more issues in the town.  

One of the 27 - who was described as being “a constant demand on services” - has now been housed, is receiving substance misuse support and looking for employment. Another now has a job.  

Meanwhile, other measures are being put in place for the five who continue to commit antisocial behaviour and cause problems, including warning orders.

Insp Morris said: “The results from our surveys with the public highlighted these key issues for the community in Wisbech. They needed to be addressed. 

“Operation Luscombe is about giving people a chance to put things right first.

“If these people need support, they can come along to the hub at the Queen Mary Centre and our specialist partners will be there to meet them."

The Hub is a weekly meeting point for partners including drug and alcohol support services, health care professionals, housing associations, and the Department for Work and Pensions.  

Insp Morris added: “But if the community continues to feel unsafe, they don’t feel comfortable walking around Wisbech or even people won’t travel to Wisbech because of the issues then we need to deal with it.

“And we need to deal with it robustly. Unfortunately for some, this is entrenched behaviour and they need to face the consequences of that behaviour.”