Police step up Ashton In Makerfield patrols after youth disorder

Police and Wigan council staff have stepped up patrols in ashton in makerfield town centre after a recent rise in anti-social behaviour linked to the same group of youths. Businesses have been affected, and police have started visiting premises and a local school as they try to stop the pattern from spreading.

Helen Lawson in Ashton-in-Makerfield

Helen Lawson, a business owner, said she had seen children climbing on buildings, meeting up, throwing things at cars and harassing people. She said, "I hadn't had anything like that before," and described a series of incidents outside her business, including boys on bikes snatching her phone from her hand.

Lawson said, "They were all gathering in front of my business and I had concerns because I've had kids throwing each other into my window before. Lads on bikes came to the front and snatched my phone out of my hand." She also said, "Outside KFC another lad threw ice cubes at me and I had a drink thrown over me. They were so resilient and just wouldn't move."

February 8 at KFC

The disorder came to a head on February 8 when a KFC in the town centre was forced to close early. Police said young people have also forced businesses to shut early, thrown rocks at passersby, smoked inside premises and smashed up bus stops.

The force said the last few weeks in Ashton-in-Makerfield town centre had brought a rise in anti-social behaviour from the same group of youths. Police said numerous young people had been identified and spoken with, and that schools helped identify them. Officers have also been into the local school and spoken with students about the behaviour.

Wigan Council patrols

Targeted Youth Services from Wigan Council have been patrolling the town centre alongside the local Neighbourhood Policing Team. Police have also been visiting businesses to offer safety advice and guidance aimed at stopping youths climbing on the roofs of businesses.

That response now leaves businesses and customers facing a more active police presence in the town centre, with officers and council staff focusing on the same group of youths rather than waiting for the disorder to spread further. For people trying to trade or shop there, the immediate change is more patrols, more contact with schools and more direct visits to local businesses.

Anyone worried about anti-social behaviour can call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.