Anti-social behaviour presents an ever-problematic battle in Grimsby, and across the borough as a whole. However, if recent figures are to be believed, it seems to be declining.
What is anti-social behaviour?
According to the Anti-Social Behaviour Act of 2003, anti-social behaviour is defined as “behaviour by a person which causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm, or distress to persons not of the same household as the person”.
There are three classes of anti-social behaviour.
Firstly, personal. This is when a person targets a specific individual or group with antisocial behaviour.
Secondly, nuisance. This is when a person causes trouble, annoyance, or suffering to a community.
Third and lastly, environmental. This is when a person’s actions affect the wider environment, such as public spaces or buildings.
What is it like in your area?
Police.uk has provided statistics for the number of reported cases of anti-social behaviour on a ward-by-ward basis, all during the period of February 2024.
| Ward | Count of anti-social behaviour cases |
| Croft Baker | 13 |
| Freshney | 5 |
| East Marsh | 23 |
| West Marsh | 24 |
| Haverstoe | 9 |
| Heneage | 24 |
| Humberston and New Waltham | 2 |
| Immingham | 7 |
| Park | 9 |
| Sidney Sussex | 4 |
| Scartho | 1 |
| South | 4 |
| Waltham | 1 |
| Wolds | 8 |
| Yarborough | 11 |
The total count of reported and recorded anti-social behaviour across North East Lincolnshire for February 2024 is 145.
So, what has been done so far to turn the tide on this foe?
North East Lincolnshire Council have a myriad of approaches to combat anti-social behaviour.
What is being done?
A spokesperson for North East Lincolnshire Council revealed that the Council “works with a large number of partners in the public (with Humberside Police being a primary partner), private and voluntary sectors to support residents and deter anti-social behaviour.”
Public Space Protection Orders, or PSPOs, have been introduced in many places across Grimsby and in Cleethorpes too, and are an example of a tactic used to quell anti-social behaviour.
PSPOs were introduced in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime, and Policing Act of 2014 and aim to provide discretionary powers to deal with nuisances or problems that can harm the local community’s quality of life.
According to North East Lincolnshire Council, “an order is intended to ensure that people can use and enjoy public spaces, living safely from anti-social behaviour.
“An order will specify an area where activities are taking place that are detrimental to the quality of life of those in the area and can impose conditions and restrictions on people using the specified area.”
Anyone caught breaking an order will be issued a £100 fixed penalty notice or can be prosecuted, leading to a fine of £1000.
There are five major categories of PSPOs: anti-social behaviour and nuisance driving, controlled drinking zones, highways, dog fouling and dog control, and finally, resorts, parks, and open spaces.
An example of a PSPO is this one in Grimsby Town Centre that forbids cycling through the Victoria Street pedestrianised area.
Previously, the Council have also held “days of action” in which enforcement officers, joined by Humberside Police, enforce the restrictions imposed by the PSPOs. One in 2022 resulted in the issuing of 13 tickets to people who breached the order, along with 6 parking tickets and 2 fixed penalty notices for littering.
These “days of action” form part of the Safer Streets and Op Mastery action plans formed through the partnership between the Council and Humberside Police and are due to occur every month.
There are five main areas that the plans aim to impact including “to support the night-time economy and street scene in relation to violence against women and girls” and to “refresh and redevelop” areas of the Town that suffer from anti-social behaviour.
As part of this, the Safer Streets ambassadors will be patrolling Grimsby Town Centre every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4 p.m. “increase feelings of safety, create a welcoming atmosphere within the GY town centre & reduce incidents of violence against women & girls.”
Another tactic used by both agencies is “Operation Python” which runs every Friday and Saturday evening from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. and is a joint patrol between a youth worker and police officer covering a number of priority areas in North East Lincolnshire and aims to “reduce the risk of youth related anti-social behaviour” and to “ensure that young people are safe on the streets.”
All of these actions are currently ongoing in this battle against anti-social behaviour, but it is important to note that not only the Council is responsible for bringing down these levels. Humberside Police and other organisations also play key roles in this battle.
Humberside Police were contacted for input, but were unable to provide a response at this time.
