Police efforts to reassure residents over anti-social behaviour in Fleetwood

Police in Fleetwood say they are stepping up the number of officers on the streets after concerns were raised about increased anti-social behaviour in parts of the town.
Police have been stepping up patrols in Fleetwood, including the town's Memorial Park, after complaints of anti-social behaviour by groups of youthsPolice have been stepping up patrols in Fleetwood, including the town's Memorial Park, after complaints of anti-social behaviour by groups of youths
Police have been stepping up patrols in Fleetwood, including the town's Memorial Park, after complaints of anti-social behaviour by groups of youths

Although the incidents are classed as low-level offending, a number of residents across Fleetwood have expressed concerns over a minority of youths in the town causing trouble and making people feel unsafe..

Complaints led Fleetwood Police to announce on social media that they are stepping up the number of officers around the town, including the Memorial Park.

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it follows a dispersal order which was put in place around the park between Thursday night and Friday morning last week.

Police are responding to complaints of anti-social behaviour in FleetwoodPolice are responding to complaints of anti-social behaviour in Fleetwood
Police are responding to complaints of anti-social behaviour in Fleetwood

But while many residents say the police are not being tough enough on the youths, other adults continue to complain there is not enough for young people do in the town.

The police stated: "We are aware of increased community concern about ASB in Fleetwood, particularly at the Memorial Park.

"We take these reports seriously, so we have increased the police presence in the area, including deploying Fylde & Wyre Task Force officers.

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"Don’t be concerned if you see officers patrolling – we’re out to keep you safe.

"Parents, please take responsibility for understanding where your younger family members are, remind them to act responsibly and follow the revised Govt Covid19 rules."

There have been over 100 comments on Fleetwood Police's Facebook page about the issue.

One Fleetwood resident posted: "I do feel for the kids having nowhere to go but that does not excuse bad behaviour.

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"I doubt anyone is saying be violent to them but don't treat them with kid gloves, they have to learn to grow up and respect others."

Another said: "Talking is not going to solve the problem... Stronger action is needed."

But yet another resident said: " I get this but not all these kids are bad. Putting them all in the same bracket is discrimination."

Coun Mary Stirzaker, chairman of Fleetwood Town Council, said: "I think we should support the police in what they are trying to do.

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"This is a consequence of cuts to youth services and to the numbers of police officers and things are even more difficult now we have the Covid situation.

"This seems to be just a minority of young people but there are enough of them to make it an issue.

"Parents need to know where their children are and that they are not congregating in large numbers, when they could be passing on Covid to their parents and grandparents."

Police say that if anyone has any information that identifies who is responsible, they can report it http://orlo.uk/2lnyC or call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.