Anti-social behaviour in Rushden 'so much better' despite persisting problems as business owners and MP weigh in on state of town centre
While Rushden town centre has been subject to increased anti-social behaviour in recent years, business owners in the High Street have said things are looking up.
A police meeting took place in Costa Coffee in the High Street on Sunday (January 11) where residents were invited to share their views on the current state of the town centre and how it needs to be improved.
Another is planned for 10am on January 22 at Rushden Library, as well as on January 28 at Latte Laundrette from 3pm.
Rushden was made the subject of a public spaces protection order (PSPO) in March 2024, giving police and the council wider power to prevent issues relating to anti-social behaviour which had plagued the town centre in the months and years prior, including public alcohol consumption, rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour and begging.
Rachel Chirico, owner of a new business in the High Street, Latte Laundrette, said that while there had been instances of anti-social behaviour in the area, it’s ‘so much better’ than it has been previously.
She said: “There were problems at the beginning when we first opened in the street, but it’s getting better now.
“I’m happy, when we were first doing up the place it was scary because of these kids but now it’s controlled. Sometimes they’re about but it’s not as bad as it used to be.
“We’ve had no issues here.
“The police do go up and down on foot, which is good.”
Ilayda Aydin of Babas Diner, also in the High Street, had seen instances of fighting, stealing and arson, with their bin being set on fire last year, which they say young people had been doing ‘for fun.’
Ilayda added: “Kids kept fighting here and stealing from Rushden Food Centre, and because of that nobody really went outside late at night, but they never came to this shop to steal.
“There is not as much anymore.
"We’re happy, police kept coming to see if everything’s okay so we’re happy.”
According to Northamptonshire Police, crime levels in Rushden are the lowest they have been since March 2025.
Sgt Leigh Goodwin has credited this in large part to Operation Renew, a community policing initiative set up in Rushden in summer 2024 to tackle anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and shop theft by increasing area-specific patrols and police presence in the area, education work in local schools and working alongside local businesses.
She said: “We’re really pleased with the work that we have done, but we’re not done yet.
"We’re having to adapt the way we police to keep up with trends. It’s an ever-changing situation but we have done lots and lots of work to enhance vision on foot.
"We are looking at what we can do to evolve. The trajectory is going in the right direction.”
The crimes most commonly reported to police during November last year in Rushden were relating to violence and sexual offences (55), anti-social behaviour (43), shoplifting (36) and criminal damage and arson (18).
In the same month, 29 instances of anti-social behaviour were reported to police in Wellingborough, 12 in Corby, and 91 in Kettering.
Gen Kitchen, MP for Rushden, said: "I am aware of recent incidents in Rushden and have been monitoring the situation carefully. This behaviour is not acceptable. I have arranged an urgent meeting with the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone to discuss what immediate action can be taken.
“My youth group roundtable is also looking at longer term solutions to tackle the problem. This is a cross-party, multi-agency group, meaning that issues can be raised directly at local authority and police level.
“We have met with local authorities in other areas that have well-regarded youth safety strategies, and we recently closed a consultation on youth safety which went out to young people and adults in the area.
"We are intending to hold a community meeting to present the results of this soon."