ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour is currently top of the agenda for police and local authorities alike.

Which is why MP for South West Hertfordshire, David Gauke, took to the streets of Three Rivers last weekend to see how the police are dealing with the escalating problem.

He joined PC Emily Laver and PC Ryan O'Donnell, part of the Three Rivers Community team.

At one point, the trio arrived at a gathering of youths in Chorleywood.

Mr Gauke said: "Emily and Ryan were familiar to many in the crowd but they wondered who the person in plain clothes was in the back of the police car.

"Who's the bloke in the back? What's he done?' they shouted.

"As I got out of the car, assuming that I had been arrested, a cry went out he's getting out, he's making a run for it.' "I was half tempted to sprint away, to see what their reaction would be, but by this time they had been told I was the local MP and I decided against it."

For Mr Gauke's findings from a night out on the beat with police, see Friday's printed version of the Watford Observer.