Anti-social behaviour reduced at Linkway Retail Park through partnership working

Reports of anti-social behaviour at Linkway Retail Park in Cannock have fallen significantly thanks to joint action by Cannock Chase Council, Staffordshire Police, and the retail park's owners and managing agents.

The problem

The retail park had previously been identified as a hotspot for vehicle-related anti-social behaviour, including organised car meets, excessive noise, racing, and stunts in the car park. Retailers also raised concerns about incidents occurring after stores had closed, with staff reporting feeling intimidated when leaving the site.

The response

A multi-agency approach was established to tackle the issues. Enforcement activity has included Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) warnings, Section 59 warnings, and where appropriate, the seizure of vehicles involved in anti-social behaviour.

Since June 2026, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and CCTV cameras have been installed across the retail park.

Results and next steps

The additional security measures, combined with targeted enforcement activity, have helped deliver a marked reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour from both nearby residents and businesses operating within the retail park.

Councillor Georgina Jeffery, Community Safety and Wellbeing Portfolio Leader at Cannock Chase Council, said: "Anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on residents, businesses and visitors, which is why it is so important that organisations work together to address these issues. The reduction in incidents demonstrates what can be achieved when partners share information, coordinate enforcement activity and invest in preventative measures."

Matthew Scotchmer from CBRE Management said the improvements "demonstrate the value of strong partnership working between the landlord, CBRE, Cannock Chase Council, Staffordshire Police and local stakeholders."

Inspector David Shorter of the Cannock local policing team added: "Through talking to residents and partners, Linkway Retail Park was identified as a hotspot for car meets, car racing and excessive noise. We used a range of enforcement powers, such as Section 59 notices, to crack down against vehicle-related anti-social behaviour which has resulted in a reduced number of reports."