Copyright grimsbytelegraph
Four boys, including two 11 year olds, have been arrested following "numerous reports" of criminal damage in Grimsby . Officers from Humberside Police were called to a number of business premises in Wellington Street, St James' Square, Durban Road, Cartergate and Welholme Road between October 11 and 30. It is alleged a group of boys entered the businesses and items were stolen . It is also reported that damage was caused to a number of windows and walls are said to have been spray painted with graffiti. A staff member is also said to have been assaulted on one occasion. Thankfully, they were not injured. Following a number of lines of enquiry, including speaking to local businesses and looking through CCTV footage, four boys suspected to have been involved were identified. As a result, a 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of four counts of criminal damage to a property, an 11-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of criminal damage, a 12-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of criminal damage to a property, common assault, and theft from shop, and another 11-year-old has also been arrested on suspicion of four counts of criminal damage to a property, and theft from a shop. All four boys have since been bailed with conditions pending further enquiries. Grimsby West Neighbourhood Inspector Claire Jacobs, leading Operation Mastery, said: “Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is not acceptable, and we will continue to tackle reports of this nature through Operation Mastery and by working collaboratively with partners from North East Lincolnshire Council, Town Centre Marshalls, CCTV Control Room, Freshney Place, Civil Enforcement Officers, and Grimsby Retail in Partnership (GRiP). “ASB is not a low-level offence, it is extremely disruptive and can greatly affect businesses and communities, and that’s why we will continue to be proactive in our efforts to hold those accountable for this kind of behaviour by issuing things like ASB Warning Letters, and Criminal Behaviour Orders, as well as through the Youth Justice System. “As part of Operation Topaz and especially in the lead up to Bonfire Night and other events into the weekend, members of the public and businesses can expect to see an increase in local officers in the area as they continue engaging with the community and disrupt those looking to cause harm or spoil others’ fun during this period. “We take a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to anyone deliberately looking to harm others enjoying Halloween and Bonfire night occasions. This includes people being anti social and behaving in a way that taunts or intimidates people, or throwing things at people, their houses, or cars. “We will be continuing to review CCTV and encouraging local businesses and residents to report any concerns or information to us which will assist with ongoing enquiries into reports of ASB in the area. “If anyone has any information or CCTV that may assist my officers, please contact us via our non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference 25*152535.” Alternatively, you can also report anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
