Leeds town plagued by kids 'causing mayhem' as police handed extra powers

Locals have been feeling 'anxious'

Kids have been causing “mayhem” in a Leeds town, making locals feel “anxious and unsafe”.

West Yorkshire Police were granted a dispersal order in Garforth centre over the weekend after complaints from residents, businesses, and community representatives about anti-social behaviour. The order was in force from Saturday evening, October 17, and ended on Monday morning, October 19.

Residents have said the issues involve “scary and frightening” gangs of young teenagers stealing from shops and riding around on E-bikes and scooters dangerously, around the town’s centre on Main Street.

Cameron Ellis, 22, who works at a local shop on Main Street, has said the issues involve youths causing “mayhem” late at night. Cameron said: “It’s around the Budgens and Co-op. Groups are hanging out around 10pm, going into stores and stealing. So, I’m not surprised they put anti-social protections in Garforth.

“It’s mainly kids around 13 or 14, going into stores and stealing, riding their stupid vehicles and almost hitting people, causing mayhem. If I was doing that at their age, I’d have been done, told off and grounded. Kids nowadays seem to get a way of a whole lot. It p***** me off.”

Couple Ellen and Paul Belchere, 74 and 75, have described the children as “scary and frightening”. Ellen said: “It’s young kids in their early teens riding up and down on E-bikes, doing wheelies and weaving in and out of the traffic. You’ve got to dodge them and be more aware. It’s not safe. They’re wearing balaclavas and dark clothing. It makes me feel anxious.”

Paul added: “They go really fast. You’ve got to be careful.”

Nicola Firn, who owns The Good Food Store, on Main Street, has been trading in the area for around 10 years. Nicola said: “They’re just terrible. They’re on our street on a night. I can see why it would be intimidating to people. I just think we need some more police presence on Main Street.

“I think they need to belt up and grow up. They need to think about what they’re doing to the community and surrounding area, and how they’re making people feel.”

Nicola added that she feels there needs to be more recreational options for children in the area.

During the dispersal order, police were handed additional powers to make anti-social offenders leave the area. A force spokesperson said: “We recognise that the vast majority of young people are respectful and law-abiding.

“However, we would politely ask parents and carers to take personal responsibility for knowing where their children are, who they are with, and how they are behaving whilst out in the community, particularly during the evening hours. Working together helps keep Garforth a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”