Youths in Ripon are breaking the national lockdown rules to attack residents, with police receiving a string of “distressing” reports in one day.
Police believe the incidents are linked with similar descriptions of small groups of teenagers between 14 and 18 years old.
Some of the reports include the youths throwing eggs and glass, spitting and punching people who challenged them and kicking at the heels of a postman.
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All of the incidents happened on Wednesday afternoon between 2pm and 3.30pm, according to the police reports.
Ripon City Police has released a statement to say that while there has been a “considerable reduction in incidents” as a result of lockdown:
“However, sadly, there appears to be a very small cohort of individuals intent on causing harm in our community and we are asking for your help and support in identifying those involved in several distressing incidents.
“Not only have these individuals caused distress, harm and injury to victims but they are breaking the lockdown rules, putting themselves and others at risk in the midst of a pandemic.
“These unprovoked attacks are distressing. It is likely that they are linked and we are doing all we can to identify those responsible to bring some justice for the victims affected.”
- 2.19pm, January 13 – Member of the public on Wakeman Road encountered 2 males aged between 15 and 18 years old who were throwing eggs. The males were abusive when challenged and then threw glass at the member of the public. Descriptions are; male one: approx. 5ft 9in tall, dark hair, medium build with a burgundy coat and Male 2: approx. 5ft 5in tall, dark jacket and dark trousers.
- 2.40pm, January 13 – Occured on Minster Road on the path near the Cathedral and Sainsburys in which 3 males aged between 14 and 16 years old threw stones at a member of the public. When challenged, one of the youths spat at and assaulted by punching the member of the public. Descriptions are male one: approx. 5ft 10in tall, wearing a red puffa jacket with a pale complexion and whispy moustache. Male 2: approx. 5ft 7in tall, wearing a grey hoodie and blue mask. Male 3 – no description available.
- 3.25pm, January 13 – Occured on Minster Road involving three youths who were kicking the heels of a postman. The descriptions match those of those given in the above incident.
Police in Ripon have arrested two teenagers and said they will step-up patrols after another weekend of anti-social behaviour.
One teen has been charged with being drunk and disorderly; the other remains “under investigation”, the police said.
The force said Ripon suffered ‘several incidents of anti-social behaviour’ over the weekend, including teenagers throwing objects in the road and walking in front of cars.
A statement on Ripon City Police’s Facebook page said teenagers were not only committing anti-social behaviour but also ignoring covid warnings. The statement added:
“They do not register the risk and have stated it’s their choice.”
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The statement urged parents in Ripon to ask their children about their whereabouts last weekend. It added:
“We have increased officer presence and are proactively patrolling areas whilst responding to calls but we can’t be everywhere.
“Parents have the biggest role to ensure that children are not causing trouble, committing crimes, not distressing our community or putting themselves at risk.”
Last weekend’s incidents were the latest in a series of anti-social incidents.
On the previous weekend vandals smashed windows at Ripon’s town hall and cathedral office.
North Yorkshire Police declined to comment on those incidents when approached by the Stray Ferret last week.
Ripon council and police join forces to tackle anti-social behaviourCouncillors in Ripon are keen to join forces with North Yorkshire Police to tackle anti-social behaviour in the city.
All members who spoke at Monday’s virtual full meeting of the city council, welcomed the opportunity to work with Sergeant Clare Mayes and her colleagues to tackle bad behaviour and criminal activity.
Sgt. Mayes, who is responsible for neighbourhood policing in Ripon, presented an update report on anti-social, nuisance behaviour and reported crimes in the Minster, Spa and Moorside Wards.
Covering the period from 26 August to 22 November, her report showed that the city’s police, which has increased in number with the recent appointment of police community support officers (PCSOs) and other officers, has been dealing with ‘hotspots’ for anti-social behaviour.
These include Market Square, the old college site and parts of the Moorside ward.
Sgt. Mayes pointed out that Market Square remains the main area for anti-social and nuisance behaviour, including an incident on Halloween, when 17 youths were questioned by officers.
Ripon Market Square, where the city’s police have been tackling anti-social behaviour
She said:
“We wrote letters to parents warning that action would be taken if their children became involved in similar activity in the future. Thankfully, this approach appears to have done the trick.”
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Sgt. Mayes accepted an that 101 calls made to the police to report anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, can take up a lot of time, but said:
“I would just ask you to encourage members of the public to persevere with making calls, as each reported incident helps us in identifying issues and planning our approach.”
Responding to a request from Councillor Pauline McHardy, Sgt Mayes said that email and other contact details for officers assigned to police the Minster, Spa and Moorside wards, will be sent to town clerk Paula Benson for distribution to all 12 city councillors.
A working group meeting will also be arranged so that councillors and the police can discuss ways of combining forces to tackle anti-social behaviour and reduce crime.
Councillor Sid Hawke, who had his work van stolen from outside his home earlier this year, said:
“I look forward to the opportunity of working more closely with the police. We all have a part to play in keeping our city safe.”
Plans to increase the focus on tackling anti-social behaviour on the old college site, were also welcomed by Councillor Chris Davis, who pointed out:
“I live in the area and want to help the police in any way that I can.”
Do you live in Ripon and witness repeated anti-social behaviour? If so get in touch on contact@thestrayferret.co.uk