Police step up visible patrols after spike in anti-social behaviour in Melton town centre

A series of incidents have been reported on social media involving groups of children and young people vandalising property and intimidating local people.

Borough councillor Sharon Butcher, who represents the Melton Craven ward were many of these activities have taken place, says businesses and residents ‘have had enough’ and she has called for a meeting with police, council and traders to clamp down on the issue.

Residents are invited to attend a drop-in session with police at Melton Mowbray Library tomorrow (Friday) at 10.30 am to discuss their concerns.

Councillor Butcher has emailed police, Melton BID, the council’s Safer Communities team and the chair of the town’s SMART radio scheme for traders to request a meeting to talk about the way forward.

She said: “We are seeing groups of children and young people engaging in unacceptable behaviour, including vandalising buildings, throwing objects, pulling out plants and causing damage to the local environment.

"We also believe that building tiles may have been damaged.

"This needs to be investigated and the damage properly assessed.

“Residents and business owners have reached the point where they have had enough.

"They deserve to feel safe, have their properties respected and be able to run their businesses without continually worrying about damage and disruption.”

Among the recent anti-social behaviour incidents reports involve children getting on the roofs of town centre buildings, including Miss Bs Tea Rooms in Market Place and Yorkshire Trading, on Sherrard Street, causing damage and throwing stones.

Councillor Butcher says she doesn’t want to condemn all local young people as ‘the vast majority behave responsibly’ but the offenders needed to be dealt with and preventative measures should be explored.

Pc Lucy Baxter, a beat officer based in the town, posted a video on Melton Police’s Facebook page where she said: “In response to these concerns we have increased our high visibility patrols throughout the town centre, both during the day and into the evening.

"You will see officers and Pcsos carrying out foot patrols targeting areas where incidents are being reported.

"We aim to not only deal with incidents when they occur but also prevent anti-social behaviour before it happens.

"We are identifying reported offenders, gathering evidence, carrying out targeted patrols and exploring the use of a range of powers and interventions available to us.”

She called on the public to report offences as soon as they happen to ensure police are aware.

On the reason for the library drop-in tomorrow, Pcso Etienne Kennington-Dawe posted on the force Facebook page: “As you may be aware, there has been a significant increase in anti-social behaviour within the town centre in recent weeks, with incidents affecting local businesses, residents, visitors, and those who work in the area.

“In light of these ongoing issues, I would like to provide an opportunity for members of the community to come and discuss their concerns directly with a member of the Town Centre Beat team.

"Whether you have been affected personally, have witnessed incidents, or simply want to share your views on the issues facing the town centre, your input is important.”