Extra patrols in Crowland as anti-social behaviour spikes

Lincolnshire Police have sent out extra patrols in the Crowland area following a surge in youth anti-social behaviour.

According to Area Inspector Gareth Boxall, young people in the town are targeting vulnerable members of the community.

He said: “Crowland has suffered an ongoing problem with youth-related anti-social behaviour in the last few months.

“In response to this, South Holland Police and South Holland District Council have been working hard to not only deal with the offenders and support victims but also work with partners to tackle the causes of those problems. Despite this work, these problems have continued.

“The youth-related anti-social behaviour is shocking. These young people have targeted some of the most vulnerable in the community and we have investigated several hate crimes as a result.

“We completely recognise the impact that such crimes have on victims and the community and the misery that anti-social behaviour causes.

“On Thursday evening, I and a local officer met with parish, district and county councillors to provide an update on what action we have been taking and plan to take. We are grateful for the support that local councillors are giving us and their offer of help in solving these problems.

“We have a significant increase in officers patrolling Crowland currently but this is only one way that we can solve these problems.

Alongside the patrols, police are also asking parents to keep a closer eye on their children. They are asking parents to:

• “Know where your teenage children are and what they are doing
• Understand that if the police come knocking at your door; they are there for a reason.
• Support the police in tackling your child’s behaviour. If warnings aren’t taken seriously by youths and you their parents, and that behaviour continues, there is a real chance you will be standing with your son or daughter in court whilst they are issued an injunction or prosecuted for a criminal offence.”