Fears grow as crime surges

People living in Winstanley are at their wits’ end after being terrorised by gangs of youths causing destruction.

Reports have flooded in on social media of fires being set, elderly people’s homes being targeted by teenagers throwing stones, and cars being broken into.

The problems have got so bad that in the last few weeks residents have contacted Coun Marie Morgan, representing Winstanley ward, to urge action to be taken.

One letter read: “ These louts are causing real problems throwing items at cars, playing loud music and drinking alcohol albeit they are in their early teens. They caused a road accident over the weekend as a result of throwing things at a car near St Aidan’s and I fear it’s only a matter of time before they are responsible for something much worse. People are being abused when they walk past this gang regardless of their age or gender and something needs to be done to stop this scum-like behaviour.”

Coun Morgan has responded to concerns saying that council officers and the police have been making steps to resolve the issues.

CCTV has been installed at Winstanley shops and councillors have been out to speak to some of the young people face to face. However, despite the actions taken, Coun Morgan said that the problem seems to be “escalating” due to the lighter nights.

She has urged people not to take matters into their own hands and to report incidents to the police via 101,