Ward Update

Loftus PCSO February Update

During the month of January, Loftus ward received 43 reports of crime and 18 reports of Anti-Social Behaviour. 

The anti-social behaviour incidents consist of 5 youth related incidents, 3 altercations between adults, 8 off road bikes / road related incidents and 2 environmental matters. 

Two youths were identified in relation to one of the incidents. They both received AS13 disorder notices. 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.

On a separate occasion Police received reports of groups congregating in Loftus and causing a nuisance. It transpired some youths did not live in the Loftus area. These youths were returned home and parents suitably advised.

Youth related Anti-Social Behaviour at Duncan Place and Coronation Park, and the use of E-Scooters being ridden Loftus High Street and the surrounding areas, remain priorities for Loftus ward.

Off road motorcycles and quads continue to be an issue within the Loftus ward, particularly in Liverton Mines. We will not chase these motorbikes due to the risks to the rider and wider public, but we will follow up every report. These motorbikes are stored within residential areas. If you see an off road bike coming and going from a particular address, let us know. Legislation gives us 24hours to attend the address and seize the machine. We will continue to conduct patrols and pay attention to these locations. Seizures rely on participation by members of the public. Help us identifies the properties where the bikes are ridden to and from, and we will seize them. Work continues to address this issue.

Officers are reminding anyone looking to buy a motorcycle, mini-moto, electric scooter or quad bike that they are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles which require road tax, insurance, a registration plate and a valid MOT if being ridden on a road or other public place. If a juvenile is stopped riding an electric scooter, they can be issued with penalty points. Those penalty points will be stored and placed onto their adult driving licence when they apply for one, and run for the full period of the sanction.

People riding or driving motor vehicles or mechanically propelled vehicle need to ensure they are complying with the law and have the appropriate driving licence and safety equipment. Parents / guardians allowing them to be ridden by children illegally could also be liable for prosecution under the “permit,” legislation.

Those bikes that are not road complaint can be ridden on private land, but only where there is no public access and with the landowner’s permission.

Further details can be found in relation to this on Cleveland Police Facebook page.

One male was arrested in connection with a spate of commercial burglaries across East Cleveland, he has received a sentence of 8 months in prison. Despite this East Cleveland is still experiencing a number of burglaries to commercial premises and investigations are ongoing. 

A male in Loftus was arrested by Loftus Neighbourhood Police Team due to a warrant issued by North Yorkshire Courts. When police attended the address his lady friend informed officers he was not present and she had not seen him for some time. Undetered officers entered the house. A thorough search found him in a state of undress hidden inside a bed frame. Not only was he arrested and put before the courts, his lady friend was also arrested for attempting to divert officers and charged with obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duties. She is due before magistrates shortly. 

A Loftus male was identified as being responsible for crashing his vehicle and abandoning it. Enquiries showed that the male was driving without insurance or MOT and this was not the first occasion. Further enquiries revealed that the male was in the country on a student visa which had expired and renewal had been refused. The male was arrested for immigration offences and remanded to an immigration facility. He will soon be re-united with his family in his country of origin.