Officers in Barrow are tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) issues in the town centre following continued reports from members of the public.
Last night (30 September), a dispersal order was issued in response to reports of a group of young people causing criminal damage and being a nuisance on Dalton Road and the surrounding areas. The order is in place until 7:45pm this evening. During this period, officers will have the power to order those suspected of causing nuisance, or practicing anti-social behaviour, to leave the area immediately.
As a result of reports from the public, officers will be increasing patrols in the problem areas.
Inspector Grant Kelso, Barrow Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Barrow NPT are aware of the recent spate of youth ASB in the town centre.
“We know the detrimental effect these incidents have on our communities and businesses and our priority is to ensure that everyone feels safe in their local area.
“Some of the behaviour we have seen, especially last night, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“We’re asking parents and guardians to support us by asking where their children are going, who with, and what they are doing and to have conversations about the importance of respecting others and the very real consequences if they are found to be involved in some of this behaviour.
“We will take firm action against those found to be committing offences.
“I would encourage the public to continue to report incidents to us so that we can deploy the correct resources and powers to combat these incidents.”
You can report instances of anti-social behaviour to police via 101.
To address ASB issues, the force is currently running Operation Enhance which sees extra police patrols in areas identified as hotspots for anti-social behaviour and/or serious violence across the county- including Barrow town centre as one of the hotspot areas. Its aim is to reduce ASB, reduce the number of victims of ASB and reduce calls for service to ASB incidents.