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04
Feb 2021
Ripon residents 'scared to go out' as crime fears grow
Ripon residents have said they are too scared to go out at night because of teenage gangs.
Fear of crime and anti-social behaviour in the city has escalated in recent months.
Matters came to a head on Sunday evening when police responded to five incidents in three hours.
They included reports of a man with a machete, a robbery, thefts and gang activity.
It is getting too much for some locals, prompting councillors to call for urgent police action.
North Yorkshire Police has said it will increase patrols following the latest incidents. But some believe there are not enough officers on the streets to cope.
Read more:
- Robbery, thefts and man with machete in three-hour Ripon crimewave
- Julia Mulligan pledges to visit Ripon to hear crime fears
Pauline McHardy, a councillor on Ripon City Council and Harrogate Borough Council, told the Stray Ferret:
Stephen Craggs, owner of electrical firm G Craggs, which is based opposite the bus station where some of the young people gather, said:
Sid Hawke, who also sits on Ripon City Council and Harrogate Borough Council, echoed concerns, and said lockdown had exacerbated the problem:
Ripon City Council is set to have a meeting with North Yorkshire's police, fire and crime commissioner Julia Mulligan to discuss concerns and respond to pleas for more police.
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