Loftus Ward Update

Loftus PCSO September Update

During the month of August, Loftus ward received 40 reports of crime and 7 reports of Anti Social Behaviour. Both figures for crime and anti social behaviour are positive in that they show a decrease on the previous month’s figures. These figures are also significant reductions on this time last year (52 reported crimes and 27 reports of anti social behaviour). We still recognise that we have victims of crime and anti social behaviour and we will continue to support them.

Three burglaries were recorded during August within the ward. Two of those reports related to shed breaks. Items were stolen during one of those burglaries. The remaining incident was the theft of a quad bike from a nearby farm and the investigation remains ongoing.

The anti social behaviour incidents consist of 3 reports involving youths, 3 reports in relation to nuisance bikes and 1 involving adults having an altercation.

One of the anti social behaviour incidents involved two youths causing a nuisance at an address on Larch Court which caused the distress to the resident. A number of youths were identified and visited at their home address and spoken to in the presence of their parents where admissions were secured. Anti social behaviour notices were issued (AS13). This notice is issued by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s Anti Social Behaviour Officer. If a youth is identified as being responsible for anti social behaviour on a regular basis over a 6 month period, matters will be escalated to Acceptable Behaviour Agreements,  or court injunctions which will include greater sanctions.

A number of reports have been received in relations to youths congregating on the steps located at the side of the new building at Temperance Square. This is an employment hub and the actions of several youths is intimidating service users. The behaviour includes smashing glass bottles, littering, pulling up and damaging the plants, making rude gestures to the staff members and being verbally abusive when requested to leave the area. Neighbourhood Officers are liaising with staff members and are actively trawling CCTV in an effort to identify the youths responsible and take further action. We are also in consultation with Redcar and Cleveland Council regarding target hardening in an attempt to secure an engineering solution. Patrols continue at the relevant times in order to give support to the staff and disperse groups that are congregating in the area. One youth was searched and found to be in possession of a prohibited article (not a weapon). A court summons is being prepared for that youth.

Complaints were also received regarding the anti social use of motorbikes on a farmers field. Police attended the location, stopped two youths and seized their machines (never to be returned). The youths have been referred to the Youth Offending Service.

During a night shift Response Officers witnessed a vehicle being driven in a dangerous manner through Loftus High St, the driver and vehicle were stopped on Whitby Rd. The vehicle was seized and the driver reported for summons for various offences including driving without a valid driving licence and no insurance.

Two dangerous dogs have been seized from the owner following multiple complaints from concerned residents. Evidence existed which showed the dogs attacking other dogs and people. The owner was given the opportunity to take measures which would reduce risks and safeguard the public, such as muzzling the dogs and walking the dogs separately. The owner refused to adopt these measures, hence the seizure by police. The courts will decide the future of the dogs.