People urged to report antisocial behaviour so police can investigate

PEOPLE in North Devon are being urged to report crimes so concerns about antisocial behaviour (ASB) can be addressed.

- by ALISON STEPHENSON Local Democracy Reporter [e-mail]

Police told a North Devon Council licensing and community safety committee that more resources can be put into areas if they have evidence of problems.

Councillor Joy Cann (Lib Dem, Bickington) said ASB in Barnstaple had increased since street-based youth workers were scrapped, as young people don't react well to police officers.

But she was told that in the last three weeks a new outreach youth work programme had started in Barnstaple, and Georgie's Youth Centre had been refurbished and reopened.

Cllr Julie Williams (Lib Dem, Ilfracombe East) said as a retail worker in Ilfracombe she saw daily occurrences of staff being abused by “mainly young members of the community”. Cllr Pru Maskell (Con, Braunton West and Georgeham) talked about one child being terrified of going to school in Braunton because of youths attacking them, and reports of suspected county lines drug activity.