By Officers serve warnings to teenagers who vandalised bus shelters
After 22 youths vandalised bus shelters in Lincolnshire back in November 2021, local police officers have served them with anti-social behaviour (ASB) warnings to ensure it does not happen again.
The Church Street shelters’ benches, walls and screens were all damaged and covered in graffiti at 8:15pm on Saturday 6 November.
Several residents reacted in anger at the blatant disregard to public property.
One resident said: “Absolutely disgusting. Nip it in the bud and sort out the perpetrators before it festers and develops into worse crimes.”
“I really hope the offenders are going to be made to clean it all up! Absolutely disgusting behaviour,” added another.
The incident occurred soon after several bus shelters near Cleethorpes seafront were also damaged by vandals.
These vandalised bus shelters have since been repaired.
Following extensive enquiries by Louth’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, the vandals were successfully identified and each served with a warning letter.
Their parents were also present whilst they were being spoken to and some of them took a trip to the police station to fully understand the severity of their actions.
Two of the identified vandals were formally interviewed by the Lincolnshire Police.
One of them reportedly received a section 59 warning notice alongside their anti-social behaviour warning letter.
The rest of the group admitted to committing damage at the bus shelter and agreed to community resolution with East Lindsey District Council.
A Lincolnshire Police spokesman said: “It has taken a huge Force effort to get to this stage.
“Work involved combing through CCTV footage, meeting with partner agencies such as Louth Town Council, East Lindsey District Council’s ASB officer, and engaging with local schools, as well as reviewing intelligence and liaising with other departments within the Force.
“Our Crime Prevention team also completed a comprehensive report to identify further crime prevention measures which be considered by the local authority.
“We recognise that young people will start to venture out of the house without an adult.
“We’d advise parents and guardians to help them understand what ASB is in the same way you would talk to them about staying safe, encouraging them to be mindful and considerate.
“Young people should also be aware of the real consequences for them and the family if they became involved in causing ASB.”
