St Austell Police launching extra patrols after rise in anti-social behaviour
Incidents in the Par and St Blazey areas are being investigated, including arson
Last updated 7th Feb 2022
Police in St Austell are boosting patrols following a spike in reports of anti-social behaviour.
Officers will be taking to the streets on evenings and weekends, after incidents in the Par and St Blazey areas.
These include a picnic bench being set on fire at the Par Running Track on Friday 28 January.
Police say a group of individuals sat around to watch before leaving the scene, but warn the incident could have ended "very differently".
They have acquired CCTV footage of what happened but are urging anyone with information that could help the investigation to come forward.
Officers added that support from the community is "greatly appreciated" and they hope this will continue.
"This incident could have ended very differently"
Posting on Facebook last week, St Austell Police said: "Recently we have received an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal acts in and around the Par/St Blazey areas.
"In response to this we are increasing our patrols during the weekends/evenings and engaging with residents, community groups and businesses to prevent and detect any further incidents or crimes.
"To highlight the issues, we would like you to give you a brief account of a crime which occurred on Friday 28th January 2022.
"A group of individuals were sat around a picnic bench at the Par Running Track. A short while later they set fire to the bench and watch as the fire drops down onto the floor below. They left the scene just as the fire had died down. This incident could have ended very differently.
"We’re pleased to say that we have clear CCTV footage of the incident and are working to identify the group.
"If you have information which could assist this investigation please contact us quoting Crime Ref CR/008763/22.
"If you witness a criminal incident or anti-social behaviour, please contact us at the time of the incident using the appropriate channels.
"We greatly appreciate our community support and would ask that this continues so that we can tackle the issues which affect you the most".