Rise in Anti-Social Behaviour.

Rise in Anti-Social Behaviour.

Dear Resident,

Rise in Anti‑Social Behaviour in Leigh Town Centre

Leigh Town Centre—particularly the Bradshawgate area—is currently experiencing a significant increase in youth‑related anti‑social behaviour. Over recent nights, groups of young people, both male and female, have been gathering in and around Bradshawgate in numbers of 40+.

Incidents reported include:

Eggs thrown at shop fronts

Bins set on fire

Damage to street furniture

Young people gaining access to rooftops, causing damage and throwing objects onto the street below

This behaviour is extremely dangerous. It is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured, either by falling from a roof or by being struck by an object thrown from above.

On the evening of 03/03/2026, police officers transported one youth home, another was collected by parents following contact from officers, and a third individual will be dealt with in due course. These incidents are now being treated with the utmost seriousness, and enforcement measures are being stepped up.

Several businesses that remain open late on Bradshawgate have reported feeling intimidated by the size of the groups gathering outside their premises. This is unacceptable, and action will be taken at the highest level to protect staff, residents, and visitors.

How Anti‑Social Behaviour Can Be Addressed

A range of legal and administrative measures can be used to tackle anti‑social behaviour, including:

Community Remedy – Allows victims to have a say in out‑of‑court consequences for offenders.

Civil Injunctions – Court-issued orders to prevent anti‑social behaviour and set clear behaviour standards.

Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) – Court orders that can impose restrictions and positive requirements on offenders.

Dispersal Powers – Enable officers to require individuals to leave a designated area for up to 48 hours.

Community Protection Notices (CPNs) – Used to prevent behaviour that negatively affects the community’s quality of life.

For individuals living in Wigan Council properties, Tenancy Enforcement may also be considered. This can have serious implications, including the potential risk to housing.

These measures are designed to address both the behaviour itself and the underlying causes preventing escalation and protecting the community.

How You Can Help

If you have experienced anti-social behaviour, or if you have information about those involved, please reply to this post. You can also report information anonymously to CrimeStoppers on the number below.

A Final Message to Parents and Guardians

Please consider the following:
Do you know where your child or children are tonight?
Would you want a police officer bringing them home or you having to collect them from the Police Station?

Your awareness and involvement can make a significant difference in preventing further incidents.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Barrie James Jones
(Police, PCSO, L2 L1)