YOUR HYNDBURN NORTH NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM PRIORITIES

Hello,

Accrington Neighbourhood Policing Team have been made aware of concerns from some residents about a possible rise in Anti-Social Behaviour in the summer months following the closures of schools for the academic year. As a result, we would like to let you know what we are doing to help minimise any potential Anti-Social Behaviour in the area.

Working With Schools

Members of Accrington NPT have conducted school visits to speak with children about what Anti-Social Behaviour means, how it can affect a community, and the consequences it could have on them personally. We are working closely with schools in the area to address individual concerns such as trespassing and property damage and have created Patrol Plans to ensure presence in areas of concern. This will include visiting each school in Clayton daily. 

On the topic of safety, Officers have given several school talks on Water Safety all across Hyndburn so that children are aware of the do's and don't when playing in or near water over the holidays, as well as explored the dangers of climbing on roofs and entering abandoned buildings.

During our school visits, we found that students were eager to ask questions to our Officers about Anti-Social Behaviour. The students asked some great questions about how they should act when confronted with behaviour they find unsettling, and our Officers gave advice which the students took on board. We advised them to always do their best to remove themselves from situations that they feel uneasy in, and to speak to a Trusted Adult as soon as they can, as well as reinforcing the message that they should feel comfortable ringing 999 or 101 if they need to.

Areas of Focus

We know from previous years, as well as speaking with students, that Mercer Park may be a hotspot area for Anti-Social Behaviour over the summer. Students expressed concern about e-Bikes and e-Scooters riding dangerously on the park, and further worries about people setting fires. For our part we will have an increased presence in the evenings, and we will utilise our powers to seize any e-Bikes/Scooters being used recklessly.

Another area we will continue to monitor is the rear of Clayton Boxing Club, which has been an ASB hotspot for some time. We have routinely patrolled this site for a while now, and conduct Stop Searches on those we find there. This has led to a significant drop in instances of youths being found in the area, however we are aware that this could change over the summer holidays, so we will continue our efforts to keep ASB away from the site.

Our approach is ever evolving, so please do not hesitate to contact us to notify us if there are any problems that start up over the coming weeks. and we will act accordingly