Gower Park area sees significant drop in ASB

The local policing team, working closely with partner agencies, have been committed to reducing anti-social behaviour (ASB) around Gower Park in Hull, following an increase in October and November.

We are pleased to report that ASB has significantly decreased in the area over the last three weeks and there have been no reports of deliberate fires within the park since Monday 15 November. We continue to patrol the park and surrounding areas for reassurance and to prevent any further disruptive behaviour, and will continue to be robust in dealing with anyone found to be committing offences.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Joanne Harvey said: “We have intensified our presence around Gower Park and having spoken with local residents who confirm the area feels much safer and less disruptive, we are pleased that progress has been made.

“We have utilised dispersal notices to remove those involved in ASB from the area, dealt with a number of youths who have now been referred to Youth Offending Services, arrested one juvenile on suspicion of arson who remains under investigation and visited the homes of all those identified as being involved in ASB to speak with them and their parents.

“Prevention is key when it comes to ASB, particularly when young people are involved, so we have been working closely with schools to deliver key messages around arson and ASB, and the consequences this can have, and youth outreach groups have joined our patrols to deter further disruptive behaviour and encourage more productive activity.

“We have regular meetings with our key partners in the area to discuss longer term, sustainable solutions to the issues including whether there are ways to ‘design out crime’ from the park, making it more difficult for people to commit offences there in the first place.

“The young people of the area are our next generation and the more we can encourage positive diversion from crime and ASB, the more they, and their communities, will thrive. We don’t want to see them behind bars and know this isn’t an issue we can arrest ourselves out of either, which is why our partners are so involved and equally committed to tackling the issues.

“Those living within the area will continue to see an increased police presence as we continue our preventative work, distribute crime prevention advice and conduct Humber Talking surveys, so that we’re tackling the main areas of concern to residents.

“Our team have great local knowledge and are passionate about making it a better place for our communities to live and play, so we will not become complacent, despite the notable improvements.

“Anyone with any concerns or who wishes to report an incident should do so on our non-emergency number 101, only using 999 in an emergency. You can also report to local officers out and about, and would encourage you to engage with them.”