Hull: Why the Police have been in West Park speaking with youths

Officers from the Hull West Neighbourhood policing team having been in and around West Park in Hull after a number of reports that some groups of children gathering there were causing problems.

From Monday 21 to Sunday 27 October they were there every day with their partners to better understand and support the youths who go there.

The partners included the Fire Service, Hull City Council, The Neighbourhood Nuisance Team, Reachout/Corner House youth engagement officers, VEMT (Vulnerable, Exploited, Missing and Trafficked People), ReFresh alcohol and drug advisors, and MESMAC sexual health advisors.

West Park Community Beat Manager PC Nicole Robertson said: “The whole idea was to meet and speak with younger people to get a better idea about what is going on in the park, get an idea of the bigger picture, and why the park is such an attraction.

“Youngsters as young as 10 from lots of different communities have been coming from all over the city to hang around, sometimes in groups of between 20 to 50.

“Some were reported to be behaving antisocially and setting fires, smashing bottles, and damaging playgrounds.

“So we spoke with them. The vast majority are great kids and aren’t doing anything wrong, but we want to make sure we have that dialogue open so things don’t get worse, and they feel they have someone they can speak with.

“We also want to identify and protect those who may be vulnerable or at risk. Particularly with things like sexual exploitation, drink or drugs.

“We can divert them to the relevant support services if needed, and work with our partners to safeguard those who might need help.

“Two of the things that the kids told us was that they wanted better lighting and CCTV coverage, so we’ll be working with the council to improve them.

“Every day we visited the park through the daytime and found some young people there who should have been at school. They were spoken with and given advice.

“A couple of times we smelled cannabis and stopped and searched two teenagers. Nothing was found.

“Every night after 5pm was when most of the teenagers congregated. There had been reports of fights breaking out in the park so Tommy Coyle came down with his ‘Box Clever’ bus. It was to show the kids how they could channel their energies in a constructive way rather than getting into scraps between themselves.

“The team from ‘Beats Bus’ also came along on Friday night. They played a number of tracks sending out their ‘No More Knives’ message.  

“The park is a big space and a great place to meet and spend time. We want to make sure that we know what’s going on, so we can stop those people who are intent on spoiling it for people who uses the park and for residents living nearby.

“We want to know who is behind any criminal activity in West Park so we can put a stop to it. 

“It’s often said that prevention is better than the cure, so it’s been a great opportunity to chat with the youngsters ahead of half term and of course before Halloween and Bonfire Night. We’ve learned about their concerns and given advice in return.”

Hull West Neighbourhoods Inspector Craig Mattinson said: “We have had reports of problems in West Park, so my officers have been out and about as we want to make sure it’s a place for people to come and enjoy.

“We have regular daily patrols in West Park, so this has been an additional opportunity for us and our partners to really get to know these youngsters and see what makes them tick.

“There were no arrests made during the week which I’m really pleased about. As we say, we’re not out to criminalise kids as there are many other interventions available before that happens. Sometimes by just arresting young people it can really effect their future prospects.

“By getting to know them better, and finding out what their worries are, we and our partners can provide whatever help is needed.

“Of course if individuals do commit crimes, and continue to commit crimes, we will take appropriate and positive action against them.”

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