Plymouth Council urges Police Commissioner to step up over youth disorder
It's after a sharp rise in youth-related anti-social behaviour and criminal activity in the Hoe and Barbican areas
Plymouth City Council is calling for urgent support from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), after a sharp rise in youth-related anti-social behaviour and criminal activity in the Hoe and Barbican areas.
In recent weeks, the Council has received growing reports of dangerous and disruptive behaviour by groups of young people, including tombstoning, verbal abuse, trespassing on boats, and intimidating conduct towards residents, visitors, and harbour staff. In one serious incident over the weekend, a local business representative was verbally assaulted, had a drink poured over him, and had his phone forcibly taken.
Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Youth Services, Councillor Jemima Laing, said: “We are doing everything we can with the resources we have available, including increasing youth outreach work, but the situation is escalating. This behaviour is putting young people at risk and is simply not fair on local businesses, residents, or visitors.”
The Council says it is working closely with Devon and Cornwall Police, who are actively responding to incidents. However, the scale of the problem now demands a more coordinated and better-resourced response.
In a joint letter to Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, the Council has requested funding to:
• Deploy dedicated patrols in the Hoe and Barbican to deter anti-social behaviour and reassure the public.
• To enable us to expand youth work provision during evenings and weekends.
• Deliver targeted diversionary activities to engage young people and reduce the risk of offending.
Cabinet Member for Community Safety,Councillor Sally Haydon, said: “This is about protecting our communities and supporting our young people. We need a joint approach that combines enforcement with positive engagement. The Council cannot do this alone.”
The Council is urging the OPCC to work in partnership to deliver a swift and sustainable solution that keeps Plymouth’s waterfront safe and welcoming for everyone.