Boozed-up violent yobs 'causing mayhem in three Huddersfield villages' and it is getting worse
Drunken and violent yobs are causing mayhem in Huddersfield's Colne Valley - and locals have had enough of it.
There have been a number of reports of anti-social behaviour, drunkenness, assaults, vandalism and thefts affecting villages including Linthwaite, Slaithwaite and Marsden. Locals say the number of incidents has been getting worse in recent months.
One frightening incident included a 'brazen' shoplifting raid on the Co-op in Marsden in which alcohol was stolen on a Saturday evening when a group of people entered the store. The incident in July was described by the Co-op at the time as "brazen, intimidating and anti-social criminal behaviour."
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The village of Linthwaite has been hit particularly hard by yobbish and anti-social behaviour in the last 12 months, according to locals, with incidents reported of windows being smashed and youths in balaclavas trespassing late at night. There have been reports of underage drinking as well as suspected drug taking, according to residents, as well as cars and sheds broken into.
In July, a group of youths were reported for smashing up a traffic light in Manchester Road, Linthwaite, in the early hours of a Sunday morning. There also claims of yobs using a sledgehammer to smash a car park wall in Hoyle House Fold.
One local said the number of incidents had spiked in recent months, with matters getting worse rather than better.
West Yorkshire Police say they are taking action and are working with other agencies to put a stop to the behaviour "after reports of alcohol fuelled nuisance, damage, assaults and thefts have been received."
Inspector Vanessa Briggs, of Kirklees Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "A recent spate of youth ASB (anti-social behaviour) along the Marsden, Slaithwaite and Linthwaite corridor has triggered a multi-agency response from the police, council and other agencies to put a stop to the behaviour after reports of alcohol fuelled nuisance, damage, assaults and thefts have been received.
"Police and Safer Kirklees attended a community meeting which was held at Broad Oak Cricket Club in Linthwaite, with local residents, on Tuesday, 10 September, where reassurances were made that multi-agency attention in the area will be increased until the problem is under control.
"Police and council Community and Environmental Support Officers have increased patrols, and the majority of youths involved have been identified. Kirklees Street Marshalls are also bolstering the response on weekend evenings.
"ASB (anti-social behaviour) powers have already been utilised and community protection warnings issued. Reports of crime are being investigated thoroughly and positive action is being taken against those responsible, utilising a range of resources and pursuing prosecutions where possible and suitable.
"Police are also working with licencing around the sale of alcohol to youths and engaging closely with local pubs, shops and commercial businesses in the area.
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"Anti-social and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated, and I encourage anyone with any information around those who are involved or who witness such acts to come forward and report the matter either on 101 or online, or by calling 999 in an emergency if the matter is ongoing."
Community group Pride in Linthwaite has encouraged people to report incidents to police.
The group issued a statement on social media after the meeting at Broad Oak Cricket Club, saying: "Following the meeting arranged by the community at Broad Oak cricket club with the Police, Councillors and Safer Kirklees, this week regarding ASB in the area. Here are the key messages -
"1. They aim to support under 18’s and families at home vs criminalising them, however some parents are in denial or have their own issues. Once 18, things may change in terms of charging.
"2. Report, Report, Report whereabouts of this group on 101 or 999 if any crime is in progress. Stipulate “its a NPT priority” and for the call handler to notify the NPT. More reports= more resources
"3. Do not challenge these individuals. Alcohol, Drugs, Weapons are not worth the risk when predicting a reaction."
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