An 11-year-old child has been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences committed in Lancaster city centre over recent weeks.
Officers from Lancaster Neighbourhood Policing Team made the arrest last week as part of Operation Sustain, an ongoing initiative established in response to increasing concerns around anti-social behaviour and violent incidents in the city centre, particularly those involving young people.
A spokesperson for Lancaster Area Police said: ‘’This action demonstrates our commitment to tackling crime and disorder and highlights that, where necessary, we will take robust action against anyone suspected of committing offences, regardless of their age.
‘’Our priority is to ensure that residents, workers and visitors can enjoy Lancaster city centre safely and confidently.
‘’We understand the concerns that recent incidents have caused within the community and want to reassure the public that we are actively addressing these issues through targeted patrols, engagement with partner agencies, and enforcement activity where appropriate.
‘’If you witness crime, anti-social behaviour, or disorder, please report it to us via 101, online, or 999 in an emergency. Your reports make a real difference and help us take action against those involved.’’
Detective Inspector Adie Knowles has spoken out about the recent spate of youth anti-social behaviour and other crime in Lancaster city centre, saying youths were "causing massive issues" after reports of several incidents at shops and bars over the past few weeks.
Speaking to Beyond Radio, DI Knowles said: ‘’ "It is causing massive issues.
"Local businesses don't want to put up with that kind of issue and when people are going about their lawful business, enjoying the city centre, they don't want to have to encounter that kind of behaviour.
"The Neighbourhood Policing Team covering the city centre, stopping this kind of thing is their main priority, day in, day out."
In recent weeks, 26 young people have been issued with Anti-social Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) - voluntary written agreements signed by an individual committing anti-social behaviour where they agree to abide by the terms specified.
"First thing I would say is, where are the parents?’’ said Det Insp Knowles.
‘’What are you doing about your [kids] who are out in Lancaster city centre, committing crime and anti-social behaviour? We should hold them much more accountable than we do. That's probably something that we could step up.
"If you see any of this kind of behaviour, tell us.
"Secondly, there is a dedicated operation to try to tackle this issue. It certainly is a priority. We want to keep Lancaster as safe as we can and as enjoyable as we can.
"Like anything that we deal with, we don't get anywhere unless people tell us exactly what they see, who's doing it, when they're doing it, and how they're doing it.
"Kids running amok, causing problems, stealing stuff. No, we're not having it, and we're going to put our foot down and try to stop it."
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