Arrests after anti-social behaviour crackdown

Left to right, Imo, Callum and Derek from the WiSE enforcement team who patrol the streets of Grimsby

The latest crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Grimsby town centre resulted a number of arrests, said the council.

A taskforce was set up in March to tackle issues in the town.

North East Lincolnshire Council said three people were arrested, five fixed penalty notices issued and 40 drivers spoken to about driving regulations in the town centre in the last month.

The team includes Humberside Police, housing and mental health charities working together with council enforcement officers.

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Stronger and Safer Communities, Councillor Ron Shepherd, said agencies in Grimsby were determined to show communities they were committed to taking action to deter such behaviours.

“As we continue with this every month, without fail, it will be clear to those offenders that they will be found and are not welcome in our town centre streets. We hope too, that at key times in the day, people will feel more comfortable visiting our town centre or doing business there,” Mr Shepherd said.

In December a new law enforcement team was introduced to North East Lincolnshire to help the borough tackle a range of issues.

Waste Investigations Support & Enforcement (WiSE) carries out enforcement work for the council.

They also enforce certain Public Space Protection Orders, and are part of the taskforce.

Team leader for WiSE in Grimsby, Callum Neary, said: " I grew up here and saw the issues growing up. I find it rewarding. We meet people from all walks of life, most people take us quite well but we do get the odd one who can be quite aggressive. It's all about educating the public."

Operations are being carried out every month, with four-weekly monitoring to target the main town centre issues.

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