POLICE are called by members of the public about antisocial behaviour almost every 20 minutes in Oxfordshire, the Oxford Mail can reveal.

Figures released by Thames Valley Police show 25,871 incidents were reported between April 2009 and March 2010 – 70 reports a day or almost three an hour. One in 25 county residents are affected.

The majority of the incidents – 8,299 – were reported in Oxford.

The Vale of White Horse district had the fewest reports, closely followed by West Oxfordshire.

Last night, residents said police need to respond more effectively to the calls and stop persistent offenders from causing trouble.

Others feared planned cuts to youth centres (see Page 5) could make the problems worse.

But the force said the term ‘antsocial behaviour’ was wide-ranging and many reports involved minor incidents such as noise, litter, nuisance neighbours, stray dogs, and inconsiderate parking.

They also said many were repeat reports, with no victim, such as multiple reports of a stray dog.

Chief Insp Geoffrey Robinson, head of neighbourhood policing, said: “I am not worried about the number of calls.

“We expect to see this many calls. We want to be in a position of getting a full picture of all the issues of antisocial behaviour so we can more effectively respond to it.”

Mr Robinson said the force was not always the right authority to respond, as other agencies, such as councils, tackle the problem.

He added: “We will answer every call.

“A lot of low-level antisocial behaviour is important to the individual, but it’s low risk. We need to prioritise our work, we have a finite number of staff to deal with it.

“We absoutely do our best to respond to everyone’s needs and we will always go to people if they want to be seen.”

Since October 1, calls about antisocial behaviour have been graded on a scale of one to five according to their seriousness, he added, making responses more effective.

Peter Wilkinson, chairman of Rose Hill Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, was surprised police were called out so often – and warned about the youth cuts.

Rose Hill Youth Centre, at the bottom of The Oval, would not lose all cash but would see “some” activities continue, Oxfordshire County Council said.

Mr Wilkinson said: “I feel it may come back in Rose Hill if these services are cut back.

“The youth club is doing a wonderful job, it’s well used and provides a huge service to the people on the estate.

“Before, people felt unhappy walking the streets because gangs of youths used to congregate and there was verbal abuse and minor criminal damage, but that is no longer an issue.”

Jimmy Hayes, 71, of Windale Avenue, Blackbird Leys, has been at the sharp end of anti- social behaviour for almost 10 years.

He put up with yobs drinking in the alleyway next to his home, urinating, swearing, defecating, singing and littering, until the county council gated the path off earlier this year.

Mr Hayes added: “I am not surprised it is every 20 minutes."

eallen@oxfordmail.co.uk