By PCSO warns against ‘exploitation’ of young people from gangs in East Marsh
A PCSO who frequents The East Marsh, covering the eastern side of Grimsby town centre from Freeman Street to Park Street, and also takes in the docks and Grant Thorold Park, talks about his methodology and highlights a significant risk as young people in the area are at risk of ‘exploitation’.
“We want to help people and improve our communities,” said Marc.
“As with many locations, there are concerns over antisocial behaviour. To be honest, though, that’s not at a disproportionate level here – but perhaps that’s because people are not reporting it. We would always encourage people to report incidents to us.
“The majority of people want to help improve the area, and you’ll be able to see that today. We’re the same as them. We’re passionate about our neighbourhoods and want to help make them better.
“We’re here for our communities.” He added.
PCSO Ireland spoke further of his concerns for kids in the area, citing they are at ‘risk of exploitation through county lines drugs gangs’ and emulates the need for ‘breaking the cycle’.
PCSO Ireland said “This engagement is crucial. We want to encourage and inspire kids, and we want to be visible and for them to see us as approachable – someone they can talk to about their issues.
“Kids in this area are at risk of exploitation through county lines drugs gangs. We really want to break that cycle.”
The next stop in his journey was Kent Street, where it was said the regular attendees would recognise the PCSO.
“There are craft and wellbeing sessions for kids planned. Having somewhere to go is vital. Not only does it help get kids off the streets, but it gets them interested in other activities.
“There are some great groups here who are really trying to make a difference. They’re part of the community, so want to improve it.
“You only need to look at the work East Marsh United are doing; Grimsby Town FC has their Sports and Education Trust; and Ørsted are helping to educate kids by inviting them to learn from their experts. It’s school holidays now, otherwise, I would be visiting schools to have diverting-from-crime chats with the children or covering mini-police projects.
“There’s a really big buy-in to community improvement – even on the docks.”
