Salford had a problem with of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in several key hot spots on Friday nights. Young people were involved and local residents and businesses were concerned.
The police and the youth service organised Operation Brocade in response. Agencies combine their skills and resources to provide information to young people and to address anti-social behaviour issues.
In the early evening youth workers approach groups of young people and provide them with information about alternative activities. They also advise them of the wider results of their behaviour (a criminal record, long-term health implications of binge drinking). After 9pm, the police provide enforcement action. This can include penalty notices, confiscation of alcohol, and arrests.
Crime in Salford has reduced by 17 per cent since Operation Brocade and other interventions. Residents report more anti-social behaviour because of the strong police presence in hot spots. The police do not regard the increase in reported anti-social behaviour as failure. For them it is a source of more accurate intelligence (which the youth service also uses to target provision).