REPORTS of more than 450 anti-social behaviour and violent incidents involving young people have prompted a police crackdown in Bridgwater.
Avon & Somerset Police said 451 incidents had been reported since April last year – with more than 800 linked to serious violent crime, and almost a fifth (16%) to children under the age of 18.
Incidents of criminal damage, weapon possession and violent conflict, often involving children, have become increasingly frequent, the force said, highlighting concerns over possible child criminal exploitation.
Now, police have launched a proactive and co-ordinated operation in the town, using intelligence-led policing, targeted enforcement and multi-agency collaboration to disrupt criminal activity, protect vulnerable young people, and restore public confidence and safety.
“This combines robust policing with early intervention strategies to address the root causes of youth crime and prevent further escalation,” a spokesperson said.
“Recent intelligence gathering has enabled officers to map out offences and identify a high-risk group of children and adults who are either at risk of harm or of causing harm.
“As a result, multiple arrests have been made since the operation launched in February, including 10 children taken into custody for offences such as assault, criminal damage and possession of bladed weapons or illegal drugs.”
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Recent cases include a 15-year-old charged with criminal damage after a vandalism incident at the Brainwave charity in Bridgwater. A 12-year-old also arrested in connection with the incident has been released on bail.
In another incident, four arrests were made following an assault on a security guard at a supermarket, while two further adults were detained in relation to a serious assault in the town centre.
“All those involved were already known to the police and social services and had links to child exploitation – either as victims or as individuals being coerced into carrying drugs or weapons by older individuals,” the spokesperson went on.
“The police remain committed to holding offenders accountable while recognising that many young people involved in these crimes are vulnerable and may be victims of exploitation themselves.”
Officers are working closely with social care, education providers, local authorities, early intervention teams and violence reduction partnerships to identify the most vulnerable individuals and intervene early, they said.
Inspector Sarah Knight, from the local neighbourhood policing team in Bridgwater, said: “Children and young people involved in serious violence and crime often come from difficult backgrounds.
“Many of those we encounter are highly vulnerable and are being exploited by older individuals who manipulate them into criminal activity for their own gain.
“By working closely with our partners in health, social care and education, we can take a targeted approach that will have a real and lasting impact in reducing serious youth violence and safeguarding these children’s futures.
“Through intelligence-led policing, we are sharing critical data with our partners to ensure key risk factors are identified early.
“Our officers are increasing patrols in areas of concern, conducting targeted stop-and-search operations, and working with youth offending teams to implement out-of-court interventions where appropriate.
“However, we want to reassure the public that in cases of repeat or serious offences, we will take firm enforcement action.”
Several youngsters involved in these offences have been issued civil injunctions, such as criminal behaviour orders, which prevent them from associating with certain individuals or entering specific locations known for criminal activity, the force said.
Inspector Knight added: “While police and partner agencies are working tirelessly to address these issues, our communities also play a vital role.
“Anti-social behaviour and serious youth violence have no place in our town, and we remain committed to making Bridgwater a safe place for everyone. If you are concerned about a child at risk, witness anti-social behaviour, or suspect someone is involved in criminality, please report it to the police.
“Together, we can protect our community and support vulnerable young people toward a brighter and safer future.”
Anyone concerned about crime in their area, or who suspects someone may be at risk, should report it via www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report, call 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously via www.crimestoppers.org or on 0800 555 111.
That’s what happens when somewhere is left under policed for any length of time, the bad apples become emboldened and think they can do as they wish. If Police were more visible with foot patrolling it would cause the miscreants to go somewhere else. Broken Windows policing works!(I am a retired Police Officer)