A police team has been given an award for clearing its streets of antisocial behaviour.

The Shirley safer neighbourhood team (SNT) was awarded the George Hammond police safer neighbourhood team of the year award for 2009.

Shirley received many nominations from residents and community partners on the ward.

One nomination said: “A smiling face and a wave of a hand is comforting. They have gone a long way in tidying up our streets of antisocial behaviour.”

The Shirley SNT received its award at the Croydon Park Hotel on February 25 from Mary Hammond, sister of the late George Hammond, after whom the award is named.

Sergeants Cliff Baxter and Lindsay Chapman of South Norwood and Crystal Palace Triangle SNTs respectively both received highly commended certificates.

Acting Sergeant Simon Packham from Shirley SNT said: “I’m grateful to everyone from Shirley who voted for my team.

“This is recognition of the great work my officers do day-in day-out and it also shows our work for the community does not go unnoticed.”

Sue Yoxall, chairman of Croydon Borough Neighbourhood Watch association, said: “It is clear reading all the entries that safer neighbourhood teams are having a real impact in reducing antisocial behaviour, fear of crime and providing excellent reassurance in the communities they look after.”