Police issue warning after rooftop antisocial behaviour

Neighbourhood police have issued a warning following a series of reports about groups trespassing on rooftops in West Bridgford.

Officers have attended a number of incidents of antisocial behaviour in which young people have caused damage after scaling roofs in the town centre.

There have also been reports of break-ins at businesses, graffiti sprayed on rooftops and other vandalism.

A total of 11 incidents were reported in August, seven in September and five in October.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage during one recent incident and a number of young people have been escorted off roofs by police.

Officers are working with town centre businesses, as well as other partners, but are also warning young people and their parents about the dangers involved.

Police Constable Matt Holden, of the Rushcliffe neighbourhood policing team, said:

“We are concerned that these young people are risking serious injury or worse every time they trespass in this way.

“We have seen groups of up to 20 young people on rooftops during recent incidents and every one of them is in danger of harming themselves from a fall or other hazards.

“We also know this issue is costing businesses time and money to clean up after the vandalism and break-ins.

“The neighbourhood team is working hard to find solutions to the problem and is already carrying out targeted high-visibility patrols, making use of stop and search powers, visiting the home addresses of those involved and other proactive steps.

“We are working with businesses and the council to ensure premises are as secure as possible.

“However, we are also asking for the help of the public.

“In particular, we’d ask parents to check where their children are during the evenings and make it clear to them about the risks involved.

“It is also important these young people understand they are committing offences by behaving in this way and we will deal robustly with those found to be involved.”

Anyone with any information about these incidents should contact police on 101.