Update on North Hykeham anti-social behaviour

On Friday 3 July to Sunday 5 July, we put a dispersal order in place covering the entirety of North Hykeham following an escalation in reports of youth-related anti-social behaviour from the previous weekend (Friday 26 June).

This behaviour included reports of large groups of young people underage drinking, fighting, shouting, swearing and throwing objects.

Following our social media post announcing the dispersal order, we received a number of comments suggesting that we were preventing young people from simply "being kids". We would like to take this opportunity to explain why the order was introduced.

The dispersal order was put in place in response to multiple reports from concerned residents about behaviour that was not only anti-social, but in some cases criminal. Community members told us they felt unsafe in their own homes, while vulnerable and elderly residents reported feeling intimidated by the behaviour they were witnessing.

We fully support young people enjoying their free time, spending time with friends and making use of public spaces. However, this must be done safely, responsibly and within the law. The dispersal order was not intended to target young people who were behaving appropriately, but was a necessary measure to help bring a developing situation under control and protect the wider community.

During the weekend the order was in place, many young people complied with the restrictions, and we would like to thank them for their cooperation.

Unfortunately, one group did not. At approximately 10pm, on Friday 3 July, officers responded to an incident of violence near St Aiden's Park. Those involved were located by police shortly afterwards. A number of young people were found to be intoxicated, shouting, swearing, playing loud music and littering.

When officers attended, they were subjected to abusive language, aggression and violence, resulting in two officers being assaulted.

As a result of the work carried out by officers:

• Two dispersal notices were issued to 14-year-old girls.
• Six Parental Advice Letters were issued to young people aged between 14 and 16, including five girls and one boy.
• One 16-year-old girl received a Stage 1 ASB Warning Letter after being identified as being involved in an incident of violence.
• One 15-year-old girl was taken home by police to a place of safety due to her level of intoxication, in line with the relevant legislation. She also received a Stage 1 ASB Warning Letter.
• One 15-year-old girl was referred to the Joint Diversionary Panel for two offences of assaulting police officers and was also issued with a Stage 1 ASB Warning Letter.

Appropriate safeguarding referrals have been made in all relevant cases.

There were no other reported issues over the course of the weekend.

Sergeant Alex Taylor, from the North Hykeham Neighbourhood Policing Team, who was on patrol that night, said:

"We want young people to enjoy themselves in the community responsibly. Open spaces are for them just as much as anyone else. On the night, we were able to engage positively with a number of young people who were happy to speak with us, including about what had happened the previous weekend.

"However, one group chose to repeat this unacceptable behaviour. While we were able to deal with the situation on the night, we have also since identified those involved and spoken with them in the presence of their parents or guardians. This was not a case of children simply being children. Their actions were anti-social, caused harassment, alarm and distress to local residents, and will not be tolerated.

"We will continue to work closely with local schools and our partners at North Kesteven District Council's ASB Team to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

"As these incidents took place during the evening, we would encourage parents and guardians to know where their children are, who they are with, and to speak with them about the risks associated with underage drinking and anti-social behaviour."

Since the dispersal order was introduced, reports of anti-social behaviour in North Hykeham have reduced significantly, and we are committed to working with our communities and partners to ensure this positive trend continues.

If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour in your area, please report it to us via 101. If a crime is in progress or there is an immediate risk to life, always call 999. The information provided by residents played a key role in helping us respond quickly and effectively, and we would encourage anyone with concerns to continue reporting them to us.