Restraining order leads to drastic cut in town centre anti-social behaviour
Antisocial behaviour at a Selby shopping precinct has been dramatically cut after a restraining order was issues against a local yob, it has been claimed.
Selby
Calls to Selby police about antisocial behaviour outside the Abbey Walk branch of Sainsbury's saw a substantial drop after the 18-year-old man was issued with a harassment restraining order preventing him from going near the supermarket.
In October 2013, Selby police recorded a spike in calls from the store about incidents involving youths intimidating customers. The youths were also accused of being abusive to staff who attempted to intervene.
Police say they quickly identified an individual who they suspected to be the ring-leader of the group and the main antagonist of the antisocial behaviour.
The man, who was 17 at the time and so cannot be named, was arrested and appeared appeared at York Youth Court last week. He pleading guilty to using threatening words and behaviour and was subsequently issued with the six-month restraining order.
The order requires that he does not to enter Sainsbury's in Selby or the Abbey Walk car park other than to attend pre-arranged appointments at the Connexions careers centre. He was also fined £50, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15 and costs of £85.
A number of the youth's associates were also issued with police banning notices as part of the police's antisocial behaviour purge.
Sergeant Jackie Booth of Selby Safer Neighbourhood Team, said, "It is unacceptable for local people to be intimidated when going about their daily lives and for shop workers who try to intervene to be abused for doing so.
"Our response sends a clear message that such behaviour won't be tolerated and action will be taken against anyone involved.
"We are pleased to report that calls for police assistance from the store have now dropped significantly."
To report incidents of antisocial behaviour call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1 and pass information to the Force Control Room.
If you wish to pass on information without giving your name, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If your safety is threatened or you see a crime taking place, always call 999.