BUSINESS owners in the town centre have said anti-social behaviour and vandalism is down, thanks to an increase in police patrols.

Police boss John Campion and Redditch MP Rachel Maclean recently caught up with businesses after police officers increased their patrols to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Back in June last year, the pair visit the town centre to meet with business owners, including Dean Corrigan, the owner of Heaphy’s Menswear, and Omar Palali, the owner of Deniz Turkish Barber, about how anti-social behaviour and vandalism has affected their businesses.

Following the meeting both Mrs Maclean and Mc Campion vowed to act.

As a result, officers stepped up their patrols.

To find out if the situation had improved, the pair re-visited the businesses.

Mrs Maclean said: “It was reassuring to hear from business owners that the situation has improved since John and I met with them last year.

"Business owners were clear that they have seen an increased police presence which has resulted in fewer anti-social behaviour incidents.”

Mr Campion added: “Rachel and I have a shared commitment to improving police visibility and delivering safer communities. I am pleased to have delivered an additional 215 police officers for West Mercia in the last year, including a significant uplift for North Worcestershire.”