Police say tackling anti-social behaviour is a 'key priority' in St Helens

Over the past few weeks, residents have grown increasingly concerned about anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

As previously reported, this has included criminal damage to the Quakers Building, on George Street, and Geek Retreat, on Bridge Street.

Damage to the St Helens Quakers building's lattice windows

Geek Retreat's window, on Bridge Street, has also been smashed by groups of youths

There have been reports of verbal abuse, assault and threats of assault at Geek Retreat, while a delivery driver was assaulted and racially abused on Church Street on Sunday, March 6. 

The World of Glass' window was smashed by yobs on Sunday, March 6, which executive director Peter Frost called "depressing" after trying their best to recover after the pandemic.

Mobile footage of a delivery driver being assaulted on Church Street

There have also been incidents of fighting, egg throwing, cannabis use and weapons being carried that have been reported.

With large groups congregating in the town centre and a perceived rise in anti-social behaviour, residents have reported feeling unsafe in areas such as St Helens Bus station, Church Street and Bridge Street.

Concourse Way, The Duckeries in Parr, and Rainhill Village are other locations that are reported to have had issues.

Youths have been reported to congregate at St Helens bus station

In response to these reports, police officers stated that targeting anti-social behaviour in the town centre is a "key priority".

They have launched 'Operation Basilisk', which will use a "range of measures" to combat violence and anti-social behaviour in the area. 

Community Policing Sergeant for St Helens Andy Halfpenny said: “We know anti-social behaviour is a source of significant annoyance and intimidation for residents, businesses and visitors to St Helens.

“Merseyside Police is determined to take all measures necessary, and we have introduced dispersal zones in the area to give officers and additional powers to order those engaged or likely to engage in anti-social behaviour and criminality to leave the area.

“Criminal behaviour orders (CBOs) have also been handed to repeat offenders, with restrictions on the areas they can go into in order to stop them causing a nuisance. CBOs were issued to two men in the area and others prosecuted for committing such offences in St Helens.

Peter Frost called the damage to the World of Glass "depressing"

“We regularly meet with partner agencies locally to discuss ways of preventing such behaviour and sparing our communities for experiencing it.

“We also have a number of other options available, deploying both uniformed and plain clothes officers on patrol.

“Our action is targeted in those areas where members of the public tell us there are issues and where we receive reports of anti-social behaviour, we will not hesitate to take action. 

"I'd also ask the parents or guardians of our young people to know where they are and ensure they are not involved in any such incidents. When appropriate, we will speak with parents and guardians if we suspect that young people in their care are involved, but we need to work together to prevent such incidents happening."

People are encouraged to contact police if they have witnessed any incidents or have captured any footage on their mobile phone or dashcam.

Anyone with any information on anti-social behaviour in their community can direct message @Merpol on Twitter, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.