Calls for urgent help after youth disorder spike

There had been a sharp rise in anti-social behaviour in the Barbican (pictured) and Hoe area, the council said

A sharp rise in anti-social behaviour involving young people in Plymouth has led a council to request extra police patrols.

Plymouth City Council said it had asked Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Alison Hernandez for funding for dedicated patrols due to a rise in incidents in the Hoe and Barbican areas in recent weeks.

These included the verbal abuse of a local business representative who had a drink poured over him and his phone forcibly taken over the weekend.

Ms Hernandez said she had spoken to the chief constable after she received a letter from the council and had been assured that extra patrols had been set up in the Hoe and Barbican.

Other reports of anti-social behaviour received by the council included young people tombstoning into the water, being verbally abusive, trespassing on boats and intimidating residents, visitors and harbour staff.

The council said it was working with police to get resources where needed but the situation had escalated and it wanted the PCC to help with a "swift and sustainable solution".

Councillor Jemima Laing, cabinet member for youth services, said: "This behaviour is putting young people at risk and is simply not fair on local businesses, residents or visitors."

The council said it had requested funding from the PCC to deploy dedicated patrols in the Hoe and Barbican areas to deter anti-social behaviour and also to expand youth work provisions during evenings and weekends.

It also requested funding to deliver "targeted diversionary activities" to engage young people and therefore reduce the risk of offending.

Councillor Sally Haydon, cabinet member for community safety, 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."

Devon and Cornwall Police said it had received a number of reports relating to anti-social behaviour in the Barbican and waterfront areas in Plymouth.

It said additional land and water-based patrols had been set up and it was working with the council and Ministry of Defence to deal with reports.

Insp Greg Bridgett said: "We take these reports very seriously and we will continue to work tirelessly to keep the waterfront area a safe and welcoming place for all."

'Prevent offending'

Ms Hernandez said she had received a letter from the council requesting support to tackle youth disorder in Plymouth.

She said: "I have spoken with the chief constable and have been assured that additional patrols are taking place in the Hoe and Barbican areas.

"I am committed to funding services that not only help people to recover from crime but also prevent offending and reoffending.

"My office has already agreed to spend £60,000 on youth diversionary work with Plymouth and Exeter City Football Clubs and £250,000 on antisocial behaviour outreach across Devon and Cornwall."