Police have fired a warning, with anti-social behaviour reportedly on the rise in a Greater Manchester town centre. Visitors to Golborne, near Wigan, have been 'intimidated' in the evenings, while objects have been thrown at passing cars amid a surge in incidents over recent weekends.
Officers say that anti-social behaviour had been on the decline in the town and in neighbouring Lowton, before a recent spike in incidents. Police dealt with three incidents in Golborne over the bank holiday weekend while arresting two 14-year-old boys in connection with issues that took place the weekend before.
In an update issued today (May 4) Insp Andrew Smith, from GMP Leigh, Atherton and Hindley, said: "Whilst we’ve seen reductions in anti-social behaviour incidents across many areas of Lowton and Golborne, including in previous hotspots, we’ve recently started to see increases again specifically in Golborne town centre during the last few weekends. Unfortunately some of the incidents involved young people throwing items at passing vehicles, and intimidating people visiting the town centre during the evenings.
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"In response to this we have again increased our patrols at key times and at the weekend we arrested two 14-year-old boys on suspicion of causing danger to road users and for attempted criminal damage. Both arrests were as a consequence of our investigation in to incidents that occurred during the previous weekend.
"Both boys have been released on bail with conditions including an exclusion from part of Golborne and a curfew on Friday and Saturday evenings. The arrests are in addition to other enforcement work we're taking with Wigan Council against those identified as committing anti-social behaviour."
Insp Smith says more work is ongoing behind the scenes to tackle anti-social behaviour, including projects with Wigan Council and local schools. This includes 'test purchasing' at shops where police say alcohol and 'other prohibited items' are being bought by youngsters - leading to items being seized and enforcement against business owners.
Police believe underage drinking is fuelling anti-social behaviour in Golborne, and residents are being urged not to buy drinks for youths. Insp Smith added: "Disappointingly though it’s become clear that in Golborne itself there are some adults buying alcohol and other items on behalf of young people from local shops.
"This is contributing to some of the anti-social behaviour, so there’s a need for those individuals to reflect and consider their actions. Buying alcohol on behalf of a child in these circumstances is an offence under the Licensing Act 2003 so we will take action against anyone we find doing it."
Anyone who sees anti-social behaviour is urged to report it to GMP online, by calling 101, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.
