Holiday season blamed for rise in crime around seaside town
POLICE SAY an increase in crime in Bridlington is due to the high number of visitors to the seaside town during the peak holiday season.
Humberside Police say 46 people have been arrested in the town for offences including arson, burglary and vehicle crime since the start of the school holidays. Recent reports of break-ins, criminal damage and assaults have prompted demands for a greater police presence in the town.
Bridlington’s mayor, Coun Cyril Marsburg, said: “Bridlington is in such a lovely area but recently there has been so much crime.
“Police seem to be thin on the ground and there is a problem with the [non-emergency] 101 number, people can’t get through and the police don’t turn up.
“Where I live there is quite a bit of crime and there’s just no police presence, not even PCSOs. You look on Facebook and crime is being reported all over the place. I’m getting on a bit now and I cross the road when I see a gang of lads.”
One Bridlington resident posted graphic pictures on Facebook after he was assaulted trying to stop four culprits breaking into a van. The photos show cuts to his face and was shared more than 500 times
A Humberside Police spokesman said: “Our message is clear, we will not tolerate any disorder in Bridlington.
“As residents are aware, we are in peak holiday season with large volumes of visitors to the area.
“This can bring an annual increase in crime and whilst figures show that the number of burglary offences and incidents of criminal damage are down from August 2016 levels, there has been a rise in theft from unattended vehicles in Bridlington.
“We would therefore urge everyone to keep valuable items out of sight and ensure their vehicle is secure to deter opportunist thieves.”
He said police were “currently prioritising groups of youths who are engaging in anti-social behaviour”.