Police vow to crackdown on antisocial behaviour at Colchester Library

In recent weeks the groups of youths have been visiting the library in Trinity Square and subjecting staff to verbal abuse as well as throwing books.

Other incidents have included the groups shouting in quiet reading areas.

It is understood some of the young people have also been antisocial in other parts of the city.

Chief Inspector Colin Cox, Colchester District Commander, has vowed to crackdown on the antisocial youths.

He said: “We are aware and have been acting on reports of a group of youths causing persistent issues at Colchester library.

“We have a dedicated city centre team who are aware of this issue and in response will carry out regular patrols taking in and including the library, to deter further incidents and identify those causing significant disruption.

“We will continue to work with partners, including Essex County Council, COLBAC and Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) to make sure we’re responding to issues where they arise and dedicating resources to where they are needed.”

Chief Insp Cox said there had been a “sustained fall” in antisocial behaviour in the city.

He added: “One of our main focuses in Colchester is on tackling anti-social behaviour, and we’re seeing a sustained fall in offences in recent years.

“But we know there are occasions, usually attributable to a specific group, where issues arise and it is really important we continue to build cases against persistent offenders and monitor where we are seeing consistent reports coming in to us.”

A spokesperson for COLBAC said it was working hard with other agencies to clampdown on bad behaviour.

They added: “The library’s incidents are the very reason why we must continue to pool our resources and experiences and focus our efforts on ridding the city of this unacceptable behaviour that is having such a negative impact.”

Anyone who witnesses antisocial behaviour incidents should contact police on 101.