
A Lancaster police detective has addressed the anti-social behaviour issues that have blighted the Lancaster area in recent weeks.
Police said that 15 to 20 youths damaged an ice cream van and stole tubs of ice cream and cones on April 15 between 6pm and 9.30pm, costing the business hit around £1,200
The damage was to the nearside window of an antique ice cream truck which had a brick thrown through it. The thefts were of 15 tubs of 4.5 litre ice cream which retail at £15 each and three boxes of ice cream cones which retail at £20 each.
They were thrown over the Ashton Memorial in the park. Police also found multiple canisters of Nitrous Oxide gas (laughing gas) and litter strewn about.
Speaking on ‘Beyond The Beat’ on Beyond Radio, DI Adie Knowles from Lancaster CID said: ‘’Over the Easter holidays, there weren’t quite as many reports than in previous years, but there were still several notable incidents.
‘’There are efforts ongoing to try and curtail any future issues in Happy Mount Park, and we’re in talks with the council to consider some other measures too, such as CCTV, and more patrols from us.
‘’Patrols have been stepped up at other hotspots, such as Lancaster Bus Station.’’
There have also been issues with anti-social behaviour reported in the Torrisholme Square area, with groups of young people wandering through the streets, and eggs being thrown at front doors.
‘’I’ve personally witnessed incidents in that area,’’ added DI Knowles.
‘’There’s nothing wrong with hanging out with your mates, the issue is when they intimidate people and commit crimes, that’s when you’re going to get the attention of the police.
‘’Residents experiencing this need to let their local neighbourhood policing teams know, so they can throw resources at the issue.’’
Anti-social behaviour incidents can be reported online at www.lancashire.police.uk, or by calling 101, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.