Loftus Update

During the month of March, Loftus ward received 41 reports of crime and 6 reports of Anti-Social Behaviour. 

The anti-social behaviour incidents consist of 2 youth related incidents, 2 neighbour disputes, 1 off road bike and 1 environmental related matter.

Throughout the last month I have conducted joint visits with Beyond Housing and tenants due to several issues being highlighted that is having a detrimental impact on other nearby residents. We have also worked in partnership with Social Services and other agencies to address these issues who are best placed and equipped to assist with these matters due to vulnerabilities and concerns.

Last month I reported that we had received an increase of youths congregating during evenings at Cloverhill Play Park and causing nuisance and harassment to nearby residents and the behaviour escalated and caused criminal damage to the window of a nearby property. Enquiries were conducted and several youths were identified and the relevant follow up action was taken to address the behaviour of the youths. 

It has come to my attention that there has been an increase involving youth related disorder within Loftus over the last few weeks. This is often reported on various social media sites rather than reported to Police. Please report directly to Police so that it is recorded and can be dealt with in a timely manner. While we do not want to discourage youths from having fun and enjoying the open spaces in our local area, we kindly request that they do so respectfully and behave appropriately. 

All reports of anti social behaviour are followed upby police or PCSO’s, resulting in home visits and AS13’s being submitted. This is a letter issued by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s Anti Social Behaviour Officer. If a youth is identified as being responsible for anti social behaviour on a regular basis over a 6 month period, matters will be escalated to Acceptable Behaviour Agreements, or court injunctions which will include greater sanctions.

The behaviour has recently escalated, and criminal damage has been caused to the window of a nearby property. This is currently being investigated by the Neighbourhood Police Team and enquiries are being conducted to locate persons responsible and take relevant action. Partnership work is taking place with Redcar and Cleveland Council and Beyond Housing to address the issues.

Off road motorcycles and quads continue to be an issue within the Loftus ward, particularly in Liverton Mines and land at the rear of Loftus Leisure Centre.

We will not chase these motorbikes due to the risks to the rider and wider public, but we will follow up every report. These motorbikes are stored within residential areas. If you see an off road bike coming and going from a particular address, let us know as this will assist Police in taking further action. We will continue to conduct patrols and pay attention to these locations. Seizures rely on participation by members of the public. Work continues to address this issue.

Youth related Anti-Social Behaviour at Duncan Place and Coronation Park, and the use of E-Scooters being ridden Loftus High Street and the surrounding areas, remain priorities for Loftus ward. 

Officers are reminding anyone looking to buy a motorcycle, mini-moto, electric scooter or quad bike that they are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles which require road tax, insurance, a registration plate and a valid MOT if being ridden on a road or other public place. If a juvenile is stopped riding an electric scooter, they can be issued with penalty points and a fine. Those penalty points will be stored and placed onto their adult driving licence when they apply for one, and run for the full period of the sanction.

People riding or driving motor vehicles or mechanically propelled vehicle need to ensure they are complying with the law and have the appropriate driving licence and safety equipment. Parents / guardians allowing them to be ridden by children illegally could also be liable for prosecution under the “permit,” legislation.

Those bikes that are not road complaint can be ridden on private land, but only where there is no public access and with the landowner’s permission.

Further details can be found in relation to this on Cleveland Police Facebook page.