The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Patrols have stepped up in two towns plagued by a run of anti-social behaviour, which include hate crimes and vandalism.
Authorities have released statements about an escalation in anti-social behaviour in Holbeach and Crowland, with details of “shocking” hate crimes revealed.
Police said patrols have been stepped up in both towns in an attempt to stop the trouble.
On Thursday night, a Section 35 Dispersal Order was issued in Crowland town centre, which ordered five young people to leave the area and not return. South Holland Police said one young person returned the next day and was “currently being dealt with.”
The statement carried the message “if you see it, report it!” This message is echoed in statements by Insp Gareth Boxall and Holbeach parish councillor Paul Foyster.
Regarding a wake of slashed tyres and smashed windows in Crowland, Insp Boxall said: “Crowland has suffered an ongoing problem with youth-related anti-social behaviour in the last few months.”
He went on to say work has been done to combat this, before adding: “Despite this work, these problems have continued and last weekend saw a significant increase in crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.”
Over the weekend beginning February 9, tyres were slashed in the town and other acts of vandalism recorded. But there was also a darker edge to the troublemaker’s actions.
Insp Boxall: “The youth-related anti-social behaviour is shocking. These young people have targeted some of the most vulnerable in the community and we have investigated several hate crimes as a result. We completely recognise the impact that such crimes have on victims and the community and the misery that anti-social behaviour causes.”
A special meeting was called and the decision to increase patrols made.
Insp Boxall asks residents to report crime right away and if possible, submit video evidence.
Vandalism has also escalated in Holbeach. Coun Foyster said: “Please report every incident using the 101 number unless a crime is in progress or the matter is serious, then dial 999.”
He said every crime needs recording. “If a crime is not reported, to the official mind, it did not happen. The funding for our police is likely to be based on the crime rate and the pattern of incidents can give the police vital information.
“Vandalism and anti-social behaviour can be reduced and controlled but only if we all do our bit to help.”
