Extra Police Patrols Planned In Carlisle After Youth Anti Social Behaviour
Extra police patrols are planned in Carlisle after a series of incidents involving teenagers caused concern in the Morton area.
Dispersal orders were issued after teenagers were reported throwing eggs at buses and setting off fireworks around Chance’s Park and the surrounding Morton area. The incidents took place over two consecutive days and prompted Carlisle police to deploy officers to the area on multiple occasions. Police said officers had identified a trend involving teenagers gathering in large groups, with some also using bicycles and e-scooters while engaging in behaviour described as anti social and potentially dangerous to members of the public.
The police response followed reports of incidents in and around Chance’s Park, where groups of young people had gathered. Throwing eggs at buses created a potential hazard for drivers and passengers, while fireworks being set off in the area added another element of concern. Officers attended on several occasions as reports were received, with the repeated deployments highlighting the difficulty of managing groups when anti social behaviour develops across public spaces.
Police said some of the teenagers involved were riding bikes and e-scooters during the incidents. Officers were concerned that the combination of large groups, vehicles and anti social behaviour could create risks for other people using the area. The behaviour was described as endangering members of the public, increasing the need for officers to intervene and prevent further incidents from developing.
Dispersal orders were used as part of the immediate police response. Such orders provide officers with powers to direct people away from a particular area when their presence or behaviour is contributing to anti social behaviour or causing concern. The measures were introduced following the incidents and were intended to help prevent groups from remaining in the area and continuing the reported behaviour.
The additional patrols are planned for the Morton area as police seek to prevent further incidents. Officers will be carrying out increased patrol activity following the reports and the use of dispersal orders. The visible presence of police is intended to act as a deterrent while also allowing officers to respond more quickly if further reports of anti social behaviour are received.
Chance’s Park and the surrounding area are among the locations affected by the recent incidents. Public spaces can become particular points of concern when large groups gather and behaviour escalates, especially during evening periods. Police activity is therefore being focused on the area where the recent problems have been reported, with officers seeking to discourage further gatherings associated with anti social behaviour.
The incidents also highlight wider concerns about the behaviour of young people in groups. Police said there had been a noticeable trend of teenagers gathering in large numbers over the two days. While not every young person present may have been involved in offending or anti social behaviour, officers' concern was focused on the conduct being reported and the risks created by the actions of those involved.
Throwing objects at buses can have consequences beyond inconvenience for passengers. Drivers need to maintain concentration and control of their vehicles, and unexpected objects striking a bus can create distractions or potentially cause damage. Police intervention is therefore intended to prevent this type of behaviour from escalating and to protect people using the area's roads and public transport.
The use of fireworks in a public area also created additional concerns for police. Fireworks can present risks when used close to people, vehicles or buildings, particularly if they are being discharged unpredictably. Their reported use alongside other anti social behaviour contributed to the decision to increase police activity in the area and issue dispersal orders.
The extra patrols form part of wider neighbourhood policing work aimed at dealing with anti social behaviour and preventing repeat incidents. Police patrols can provide officers with opportunities to identify people involved, speak with young people and take appropriate action where offences or anti social behaviour are identified. The increased visibility is also intended to reassure residents and other people who use the area.
Carlisle police have previously identified youth anti social behaviour as an ongoing priority in parts of the city. Officers have used high visibility patrols and dispersal powers in response to groups gathering and causing problems. The latest incidents around Morton have prompted a further short term increase in patrol activity as officers seek to prevent the behaviour reported over the previous two days from continuing.
The response also reflects the importance of information from members of the public when anti social behaviour occurs. Reports allow police to identify locations where problems are developing and deploy officers accordingly. Repeated reports can also help establish patterns, allowing neighbourhood teams to determine where additional patrols or other measures may be required.
Police are particularly concerned when anti social behaviour creates risks for other members of the public. The reported incidents involving buses, fireworks, bicycles and e-scooters went beyond simply gathering in a public place, according to officers. The focus of the response is therefore not the presence of young people alone but the behaviour associated with the groups and the potential consequences for other people.
The additional patrols are expected to provide a visible police presence in the Morton area following the recent incidents. Officers will monitor the situation and respond to any further reports, while dispersal powers may be used where the relevant conditions are met. The approach is intended to prevent further disruption and reduce the likelihood of similar incidents occurring.
Residents and visitors using Chance’s Park and nearby areas are being encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings while the increased patrols are taking place. People who witness anti social or dangerous behaviour can report it to police, providing information about the location, circumstances and people involved where it is safe to do so.
The police operation also provides an opportunity to engage with young people about the consequences of anti social behaviour. Actions such as throwing objects at buses or setting off fireworks in inappropriate locations can affect members of the public and potentially result in police intervention. Officers can take action where behaviour crosses the line into offending or causes significant disruption.
The latest incidents are being dealt with through a combination of dispersal powers, increased patrols and continued neighbourhood policing. Police said they would be carrying out extra patrols in Morton as a preventative measure following the problems reported over the previous two days. The intention is to deter further gatherings associated with anti social behaviour and respond promptly if incidents occur.
The increased activity comes as police continue efforts to address youth anti social behaviour across Carlisle. Officers are working to identify individuals involved in problematic behaviour and use appropriate powers to prevent further incidents. The latest patrols around Chance’s Park and Morton will provide an additional visible presence while the situation is monitored.
Residents can help police respond to anti social behaviour by reporting incidents through the appropriate channels rather than relying on social media posts. Information provided at the time of an incident can help officers understand what is happening and determine where resources should be deployed. In emergencies or where there is an immediate threat to safety, members of the public should contact the emergency services.
The additional patrols in Morton are intended to prevent the recent pattern of youth anti social behaviour from continuing. Following reports of eggs being thrown at buses and fireworks being set off, police have used dispersal orders and are increasing their presence in the area. Officers will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action if further incidents occur.
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