POLICE in South Holland are looking for ways to make sure there are no excuses for young people to resort to anti-social behaviour.
Officers trying to tackle the problems in Spalding North Rural say they are coming up against the same excuse time and time again – boredom.
The team, which covers Pinchbeck, Surfleet, Gosberton, Quadring and Donington, have now come up with a district-wide plan to find these young people something to do.
Sgt Stuart Hurst explained: “These villages suffer from bouts of anti-social behaviour and when we have spoken to the youths involved the most common response is that they have nothing to do.
“We want to help them find something to do. There must be youth clubs and voluntary groups which, for whatever reason, may not advertise that they are there.
“Clearly there are activities on offer throughout the district run by people who give up their time to help children and young people.
“We would like to invite them to come forward and let us know they are there.”
Sgt Hurst says the local policing teams hope to create a database of all available activities for the district – giving them all the information they need to keep young people busy at their fingertips.
They would like a representative to get in touch with a few details about the group or club. They would like it to include where the group meets, what time, what they do, any costs, who it is suitable for and any special requirements.
They are welcoming groups which cater for all age groups.
Sgt Hurst hopes it will help officers to discourage problems such as large groups congregating in certain areas.
In one recent incident caused by “bored” people in Pinchbeck, minor damage was caused next to the Post Office.
A number of anti-social behaviour incidents have also been recorded for Flinders Park and the skate park in Donington.
Sgt Hurst added: “Maybe some groups have a good reason not to advertise but there may be others that would welcome new members.”
l Any community groups looking to get involved should email spaldingnorthrural.npt@lincs.pnn.police.uk or call the Spalding North Rural team on 101.