Sharp increase in anti-social behaviour, police say

A "sharp increase" in incidents involving groups of youths has been seen, police said

Senior councillors have been warned of a fresh wave of anti-social behaviour.

Hyndburn Council's Cabinet was told of a sharp increase in incidents such as fighting and setting fires in Rishton, Great Harwood, Clayton-le-Moors and Altham.

The alert from councillor Kate Walsh followed a social media message from a local police officer.

She said: "Labour councillors have been working closely with Hyndburn police to identify areas of particular concern and keep updated on what the police are doing to tackle it."

'Numerous complaints'

"We continue to encourage residents to report all incidents to the police," she said.

"We are pleased that the Targeted Youth Team from Lancashire County Council is now prevalent in the area working with the youth in the evenings to try and combat these issues."

She added they did not have enough "police in the boroughs" due to central cuts to policing numbers.

"We are continuing to advocate for more community police on our streets," she said.

Ms Walsh's comments followed a post from PC Dave Render on his Stay in the Know social media channel for Hyndburn parents and guardians.

It said: "We have had numerous complaints during the last couple of weeks of ASB, many of which have involved large groups of youths.

"Your child's safety and preventing further issues are a priority and we would like to make it clear – underage drinking, fires causing criminal damage, fighting and foul and abusive language is all ASB and this will not be tolerated.

"If your young person is involved in ASB and we contact you please take this seriously."