Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Yobs have left them feeling like ‘prisoners in their own homes’
Villagers subjected to ‘horrific’ campaign of anti-social behaviour
Villagers terrorised by young yobs near a recreation ground say they have been left “prisoners in their own homes”.
The residents - many of them elderly - have been subjected to verbal and racial abuse and had their homes in Sturry damaged as part of an ongoing campaign of “horrific” anti-social behaviour.
Canterbury city councillor Louise Harvey-quirke has been meeting with those affected, whose homes overlook the village rec in Park View and Link Road.
“About half a dozen residents have been on the receiving end of some quite horrific anti-social behaviour, which has caused them a great deal of distress,” she said.
“Some of the culprits have even gone onto private properties and kicked front doors, thrown things at the houses and windows, and damaged cars.
“A few of the victims are elderly and have been left feeling like prisoners in their own homes - victimised and afraid to go out.
“One younger family who have been quite badly targeted have even had their house valued because they are considering moving.
“I really don’t know what the answer, is but I am working with the police and parish council to try to find a solution.”
Cllr Harvey-quirke, who represents Sturry on the city council, believes CCTV could help deter the behaviour and identify the offenders.
“How that would work and who would pay for it I’m not sure, but my first port of call is reaching out to PCSO Robin Todd, who I know has been talking to some of the residents who live in the location,” she said.
Cllr Harvey-quirke says most of the culprits are thought to be aged between 16 and 18, and recognised to be local.
Last night (Wednesday), the parish council was due to discuss a proposal to build a block of public toilets and a refreshment kiosk on the recreation ground.
The aim is to encourage more family-friendly use of the rec and support events.
But already many residents have commented that it would soon become a target for vandals.
“It’s such a shame because the parish council is trying to do this for all the right reasons,” said Cllr Harvey-quirke.
Police say concerns about the issues were raised with them four months ago.
Inspector Guy Thompson said: “We were made aware of concerns around anti-social behaviour in Park View, Sturry, in October 2021 and officers patrolled the area and engaged with the community.
“A small group of teenagers were causing a nuisance, including throwing stones and knocking on doors. There were also reports of abusive behaviour towards some local residents.
“Following these incidents a number of young people were spoken to and one person was arrested.
“We have not received any recent reports of anti-social behaviour in Park View but would encourage anyone affected to make a formal report of every incident so our officers can understand the issues and take proportionate action.”
‘Some of the culprits have even gone onto private properties and kicked front doors, thrown things at the houses and windows, and damaged cars’