'Yobs are trapping us in our homes' - residents living in fear

Some locals say they feel trapped in their homes by the behaviour, and fear reporting troublemakers to the police due to retaliation. One person is even looking to sell their home to get away.

Problems centre on Easton Gardens which is a popular hang-out for many young people at night. For years there has been issues with large groups of youths shouting, smashing bottles, kicking doors, and playing loud music well into the night.

(Image: Weymouth & Portland Police)

Recently there has been a significant spike in trouble, with recent incidents including the toilet being smashed up and other acts of vandalism, youths kicking doors of homes and general late-night noise including playing inappropriate and loud music.

On Halloween night a youth was banned from the area after kicking a 92-year-old man's door.

Dorset Police are aware of the issues and have a plan in place with increased patrols.

One resident, who did not want to be identified for fear of retaliation said: "This is the worst I have ever known it.

"In a way they decide when we are able to go to bed. It is hell. We should not have to live like this.

"It is not acceptable and it is time parents took on board what their kids are doing because our lives are being made hell by them."

Easton Gardens (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Another resident who did not want to be named said: "They have been very noisy. Shouting, swearing, saying bad words, which is not good because I have two little kids. 

"I think there should be a curfew around eight o'clock. They are being too loud, too late.

"You can't ban them from the park, but you can give them a curfew or just get them to reduce the noise."

Problems at Easton are not new. In March last year, angry residents grilled the police commissioner at a public meeting there was fighting, eggs being hurled at homes and bottles being smashed.

Resident Georgia Neal has young children and says she has had to go out numerous times to ask that the noise be reduced.

She said: "It is a bit of an inconvenience, especially with the young ones.

"It is not safe taking them (kids) over to the park and finding broken glass. You shouldn't be worried about stepping in glass at the park with your kids."

Georgia Neal (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Whilst the Dorset Echo spoke to residents on the issue, a fire engine was called to the Easton Methodist Church for what is understood to have been a hoax call made by a group of youths.

The fire engine responding to the hoax call at Easton Methodist Church (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Councillor Charlie Flack wants a greater police presence on the island to deal with the problem.

He said: "It has gone through the roof in the past couple of weeks. 

"Residents can feel they are trapped inside their homes. One person had put their home on the market to get away. That is the impact it is having.

"Other residents are fearful of calling the police because of retaliation, which there has been in the past.

"I would like to see an increased police presence on the island and anyone who sees the behaviour must report it to the police."

Cllr Flack adds that the town council will soon be reviewing the Public Spaces Protection Order which could give police more power to move people on.

Cllr Charlie Flack (Image: NQ) PC Billy Taylor, of the Portland Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The area is a priority for the team and there is a dedicated policing plan in place called Op Spinnaker, which involves officers carrying out increased patrols around Easton Gardens.

“Over recent weeks we have been stepping up our patrols and have been engaging with anyone who is reported to be acting in an anti-social manner. We have been seeking to provide early intervention by using escalating enforcement powers to address the behaviour of those who seek to harm our community.

“The neighbourhood policing team has increased its resources and now has an additional police community support officer covering Portland.

“We understand that young people like to use the area to socialise. In the first instance, we want to engage and educate young people when their behaviour may be anti-social and encourage them to respect the community. However, if the behaviour escalates, we have been issuing section 35 dispersal notices ordering people to leave the area.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to target individuals believed to be involved in ASB in the area, a teenage boy has been charged with 13 counts of theft from a shop and is due to appear in Weymouth Youth Court in November.

“In addition to this, officers have been working with local businesses to encourage reporting of anti-social behaviour and associated behaviours to enable us to build an accurate intelligence picture of what is happening on Portland.

“We want to send a clear message that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour that is impacting residents and visitors and will be continuing to do all we can to tackle the issue. We would ask everyone to be respectful and behave responsibly so that everyone can enjoy living and visiting the island."

(Image: Weymouth & Portland Police)

Police patrolling Easton Gardens (Image: Weymouth & Portland Police)

Incidents can be reported to Dorset Police online via https://www.dorset.police.uk/ro/report/.

Intelligence can be reported via the portal at https://www.dorset.police.uk/police-forces/dorset-police/areas/about-us/local-support-and-guidance/intelligence/ or via Crimestoppers.