Increased patrols to stop antisocial behaviour in Little Knavesmire

Police are also urging parents to not buy alcohol for children

Author: May NormanPublished 16th Apr 2021

Police in York are asking parents in York for their support as they work to prevent antisocial behaviour at the Little Knavesmire this weekend.

Officers will be carrying out increased high-visibility patrols into the early hours this weekend in a bid to deter the unacceptable behaviour seen recently in the area.

Dispersal orders have also been put in place for each day, giving officers the ability to disperse groups and prevent people from returning within a specific timeframe.

The actions have been put in place following increased reports of drinking, littering and intimidating behaviour by groups of youths in the area.

Inspector Lee Pointon of York Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:

“We’ve had to take this action following a number of reports of youths congregating, drinking and causing problems for local people.

“We also need to remember that we are still easing our way out of lockdown and we need to keep the Roadmap on track and not jeopardise our progress. We know the last year has been difficult for everyone, but the easing of some restrictions is not a green light to gather in large groups, get drunk and intimidate local families who want to enjoy the area responsibly.

“I am calling on parents to help us here, to not buy alcohol for their children, to make sure they know where they are this weekend and understand that they are not invincible when it comes to the virus that could still be spread to their families. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.”

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