Summer patrols to deter hooligans

Officers from the Wharfedale and Craven Neighbourhood Policing Team will be on duty on the riverside in Ilkley where and when they are most needed.

The new scheme will operate on weekends identified as traditionally busy or in times of particularly good weather to ensure more resources are available to deter anti-social behaviour and to confiscate alcohol which is being illegally consumed.

Officers started the riverside operation over the most recent bank holiday weekend, which they said “proved to be quiet and uneventful.”

The scheme has been launched in response to a rise in reports of anti-social behaviour from the riverside area in recent years as the site has grown more popular as a tourist destination.

Inspector Sue Sanderson, of the Wharfedale and Craven NPT, said: “Over recent years the number of visitors to the riverside area has increased as Ilkley has become an increasingly popular tourist destination.

“While we want to promote tourism in Ilkley we do receive an increase in calls from this area over the summer due to a minority behaving anti-socially, usually due to alcohol.

“What we are doing this year is providing a more flexible service to step up patrols when necessary to allow residents and the majority of day trippers to have a safer and peaceful day.”

Police have been speaking to local licensees to remind them to be careful not to sell alcohol to youngsters and, on certain days, will also be meeting large groups of youngsters arriving at the train station to warn them of the implications of buying alcohol while under age.

Officers will also be monitoring the sales of alcohol in Ilkley through undercover operations.

The NPT can be contacted on 01274 475301.