Skegness teen charged with multiple ASB offences

Skegness teen charged with multiple ASB offences

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with seven anti-social behaviour offences which took place across Skegness between 10-12 September.

The offences include criminal damage to a car and bus, multiple shop thefts and wasting police time.

He is due to appear at Lincoln Youth Court on 21 October for a plea hearing.

Four other teenagers were dealt with through out-of-court interventions, with two receiving warning letters and two entering into Acceptable Behaviour Agreements (ABAs).

The warning letters formally highlight the concerns raised about their behaviour and make clear that any further incidents may result in more serious action. The Acceptable Behaviour Agreements are voluntary contracts between the young people, their parents or guardians, and partner agencies, setting out clear expectations around their conduct and requiring them to stop behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress to others.

These measures are designed to address issues at an early stage, encourage positive behaviour, and help prevent further incidents, while providing reassurance to local residents that action is being taken to improve the safety and quality of life within the community. Failure to comply with these interventions may lead to more robust enforcement action, including an incremental approach which may lead to prosecution for any offences committed, and applications for court orders where necessary to protect local residents and businesses.

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Matt Neal said: "Anti-social behaviour can have a real impact on people’s quality of life, causing distress to residents, businesses and visitors, and that is why we take reports of this nature extremely seriously.

"We work closely with partners, including Futures4Me and children’s services, to engage with young people and address the underlying causes of their behaviour. Wherever possible, our focus is on early intervention and preventing offending from escalating.

"However, when those opportunities are not taken and offences continue, we will always pursue those responsible where there is sufficient evidence to do so. The charges brought in this case demonstrate our determination to hold offenders accountable for their actions.

“We understand the frustration and concern incidents like these can cause within the community, and I want to reassure residents that we will continue to work proactively with our partners to tackle anti-social behaviour, support those affected, and help ensure Skegness, East Lindsey, and the wider county remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”