Yahoo News Children climbing on Cambridgeshire rooftops causing 'thousands of pounds' of damage
Children climbing on the rooftops of businesses in St Neots are causing 'thousands of pounds' of damage, Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) members were told at a meeting on Wednesday (May 15). The council intends to apply for a civil injunction to allow police to arrest those responsible.
A civil injunction can be applied for by the police or a local authority to tackle antisocial behaviour. They can ban people from behaving in a specific way or entering specific places.
Ashley Dolling, community protection and enforcement team leader at the authority, told councillors: "There's been over the past year issues of children, predominantly, climbing on top of the roofs of retailers and restaurants, causing antisocial behaviour, taking drugs, drinking alcohol, and abusing staff in restaurants and businesses. Businesses have reported significant damages to the rooftops, which is costing them thousands of pounds to repair."
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Mr Dolling said the age of the perpetrators made it "difficult to respond" since they are typically below the age where another enforcement measure would be put in place. He said the civil injunction would cover St Neots High Street and include anybody who may act in a way specified by the civil injunction.
Councillor Stephen Ferguson said: "As portfolio holder for licensing and enforcement I am pleased that HDC Officers are taking these proactive steps to respond to concerns from residents and businesses."
A Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson said the force supported the proposal and would work with partners to ensure a civil injunction is upheld.
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