Police given power to disperse groups of youths from Kingsway

Police have been given the authority to disperse groups of young people from Kingsway as they continue to tackle the antisocial behaviour in the area.

It is part of additional powers, including stop and search, that will be in place as they increase patrols on the Gloucester estate.

Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team are also heading to locations around Kingsway this evening (Wednesday 4 November) with the engagement vehicle, to listen to residents’ concerns and to offer additional support in reducing crime.

Gloucester Neighbourhood Team is now looking for the help of residents in creating Neighbourhood Watch schemes across the Kingsway estate.

Police Community Support Officer Josh Griffiths said: “Neighbourhood Watch is not just about crime awareness, it's about supporting communities and tackling important issues within them. By becoming a member you take the first step in making your area a stronger and safer place where people feel included and less lonely or vulnerable.

“Your local police team really welcomes the help and support provided by the vibrant Neighbourhood Watch schemes operating all over Gloucester and the rest of our county. That extra pair of eyes and ears can make a big difference.”

This latest action by the police follows a series of incidents by a group of teenagers in Kingsway on Saturday evening (1 November).

In the latest incident, a teenager was assaulted by a group of around 20 teenagers following a disagreement in St Mawgan Street last night (Tuesday 3 November) shortly after 10pm. Damage was also caused to a car. The teenager received minor injuries.

Enquiries are continuing and no arrests have been made at present.

Gloucester’s Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Emma MacDonald said: “We are continuing to see antisocial behaviour being caused by a small minority of young people in Kingsway.

“We will not tolerate these dangerous and unacceptable incidents and we are increasing patrols in the area, as well as putting in measures to help residents feel safer in their own homes.

“We've also been made aware that a number of residents in the Kingsway Estate would be interested in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch which we are looking to support.

"I would also remind parents and carers to take responsibility for your children, be aware of where they are, what they are doing and who they are with.”

On Saturday, two teenagers were arrested following incidents throughout the evening.

Around 20 teenagers were reported damaging cars before being confronted by residents. One resident were assaulted. A PCSO was also elbowed in the face and an officer was racially abused.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, racially aggravated public order offences and criminal damage.

A 15-year-old girl was also arrested on suspicion of public order offences and assaulting two police officers in Pevensey Place.

Both have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Other reported incidents included teenagers aiming fireworks at people and adults and teenagers setting off fireworks in the road.

You can provide information to police by completing the update a crime report form on the Constabulary's website, quoting incident 540 of 31 October or incident 437 of 3 November: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

Information can also be given to police by calling 101.

The Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing Team will be at the following locations today:

• Swannington Drive - 6pm to 6.45pm
• Mona Avenue junction of Linton Avenue - 7pm to 7.45pm
• Wattisham Road Junction of Goose Bay Drive - 8pm to 8.45pm

If anyone is interested in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or finding out more, please contact Bob Lloyd on [email protected] or call 01452 752086. Members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team will also be able to answer any of your questions.