Police report 12 at car park gathering

CRACKDOWN IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC CONCERN

POLICE have issued a number of motor offence tickets after further reports of anti-social behaviour in a car park.

Officers deployed to a car park “in the area of McDonald’s in Thurmaston” on Tuesday issued 12 tickets for various offences.

Speeding, anti-social behaviour and causing a nuisance were cited by officers. Police said: “We will be back next week.”

The force had been criticised by a member of the public for its handling of a similar gathering in the same car park earlier this month.

The previous incident, which reportedly involved more than 300 people, took place ahead of the second national lockdown but during the enforcement of the rule of six.

One woman, from Bushby, said her brother rang the police to complain that an officer who attended was doing nothing to disperse the crowd.

The force concluded no criminal offences had been committed and the “vast majority of vehicles” were dispersed.

A police spokeswoman said: “We are aware cars gather at the location on a regular basis and are responding to local concerns and looking at ways to resolve the situation by engaging with the owners of the land.”

In September, police responded to similar reports of about 20 cars racing around the Thurmaston shopping centre car park.

Several drivers were given warnings and others asked to leave the area for breaking Covid-19 distancing rules.

The police spokesman said on Tuesday, “officers from Charnwood Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA) visited a privately-owned car park in Barkby Thorpe Lane, Thurmaston”.

“The pre-planned visit was in response to a number of concerns raised by residents that people were using the site to meet in their cars,” he said.

“Residents have previously reported concerns regarding speeding and antisocial behaviour.

“Officers spoke those who had gathered and advice was given about the Health Protection Regulations currently in place.

“In addition, 12 people were reported for a variety of motoring offences.

“Officers from the NPA will continue to carry out regular visits to the site and take appropriate action where necessary.”