Extra patrols in place on Kingsway following weekend of incidents

Increased police patrols will be taking place in Kingsway this week following reports of incidents involving a group of teenagers over the weekend.

Officers from Neighbourhood Policing Team will be putting on additional patrols, both during the day and in the evenings, with other teams including the mounted section looking to support throughout the week.

Officers are heading to the car park at Kingsway Local Centre with the police engagement vehicle on Thursday (25 August) between 6pm and 8pm, to listen to residents’ concerns and to offer additional support in reducing crime.

Parents are also being asked to keep an eye on their children and be aware of what they are doing.

Police received reports throughout the weekend of a group of teenagers from outside the area who were behaving in a threatening manner towards residents.

Numerous reports of disorder involving a group of youths, aged between 13 and 15, were made just after 5pm on Thursday (18 August).

It is believed that the incident began in the area of Kingsway Sports Ground and finished in Attlebridge Way, Kingsway.

A man was also assaulted close to the Barn Owl pub on Saturday at around 5.15pm after attempting to stop an altercation.

Enquiries are continuing and no arrests have been made at present.

Officers and PCSOs conducted house-to-house enquiries in the area and have already been carrying out additional patrols.

They were also given additional powers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, including stop and search and the authority to disperse groups of young people.

Gloucester’s Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Si Motala said: “Over the last few days, we have seen a group of young people in Kingsway causing problems for residents.

“This sort of behaviour is not acceptable and we will not tolerate these dangerous and unacceptable incidents.

“Over the coming days and evenings, we are increasing patrols in the area, as well as putting in measures to help residents feel safer in their own homes.

“The community of Kingsway can be sure that we will do everything in our power to protect them and ensure that the full force of the law is brought against those who are creating this disorder.

“I would also remind parents and carers to take responsibility for your children, be aware of where they are, what they are doing and who they are with.”

Residents are being advised not to put themselves in danger and to call police on 999 if they see a crime taking place and if the offenders are present or nearby.

Anyone with CCTV or doorbell cam footage relating to any incidents is asked to contact police.

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk