Police tackle anti-social behaviour outside Wellingborough Morrisons

Neighbourhood policing officers are urging parents and carers to make sure they know where their children are after anti-social behaviour outside a Wellingborough supermarket has left members of the public feeling intimidated.

In recent months, groups of young people have been gathering outside the Morrisons supermarket in the town’s Oxford Street, and have been harassing shoppers, causing criminal damage and intimidating people.

With support of the Special Constabulary, members of the neighbourhood policing team have stepped up proactive high-visibility patrols and are also carrying out plain-clothed operations to target those intent on causing misery for those who live, work or are visiting the area.

However they also want to appeal to the parents and carers of these young people to speak to their children and make them aware of the misery they are causing innocent members of the public who are scared to go shopping as a result of their behaviour.

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Gina O’Connor-Frisby, said: “The behaviour being displayed by this group of young people is having a significant effect on members of the public who are feeling intimidated and scared of going shopping.

“This is unacceptable and we have been using all the legislation available to us to tackle this issue.

“However we want to take this opportunity to appeal to these young people’s parents and carers to please make sure your child is not involved. We know it’s only a minority and we don’t want to label all young people, but sadly this group is ruining it for everyone else.

“We will prosecute people, regardless of their age, if any offences take place, and I implore you to make sure your child isn’t one of those people.”

Find out more about how Northamptonshire Police is preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour here.

If you have any information or concerns about anti-social behaviour in your community, you can report non-emergency crime to 101, visit www.northants.police.uk/RO or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. In an emergency always call 999.