A frustrated York resident says anti-social behaviour in his neighbourhood has gone too far, with escalating threats of violence and persistent disruption caused by local youths.
And after he spoke out, he was threatened with ‘being sliced’.
Shaun Anderson, who has lived in Haxby for four years, says there’s been a significant rise in trouble over the last few months. He fears that without immediate action, a serious incident is inevitable.
After having experienced two incidents in a single day, Shaun decided enough was enough. He’s written an open letter to North Yorkshire Police and his MP, Luke Charters, calling for stronger measures and clearer guidance for residents.
Shaun told YorkMix that the incidents that prompted him to go public involved a group of teenagers aged approximately 12 to 17.
On Monday 28 July, a group of teenage boys entered the local Costa Coffee and started to hassle staff.
“They began throwing chairs at the wall, and said some awful things to the boss,” Shaun said.
Later that day, while visiting the Tipsy Fox off-licence, Shaun witnessed another group ride their bikes in the shop and verbally abuse a young woman staff member, who was pleading with them to leave.
“They were being abusive to her and trying to steal alcohol. I told them to leave then they began to pick a fight with an elderly man outside.”
In his open letter, Shaun calls not only for increased support and police presence but also for clearer guidance on what members of the public can legally do in such situations.
“Even when we report it, police can’t always respond and by the time they do, the kids have usually made off,” he said.
“If I were to walk outside now and see one of these kids abusing an elderly person, I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do. If I lay a finger on them, I’m the one that’s going to get done.”
Shaun fears the situation could escalate. “What if one of them pulled a knife on me, what would I do then?”
Sinister response
Shaun said the problem has become particularly bad in recently due to two key issues.
“I think the problem is twofold. There’s not enough police presence and there are no real consequences to these actions.
Shaun’s open letter
“We’ve created a society where children are basically untouchable and can do as they please,” Shaun told YorkMix.
He added that the teenagers know how to play the system, and aren’t afraid of the authorities. “They’re clever in that they know the police can’t do much, the worst they’ll get is a stern talking to.”
Shaun posted his letter on Facebook, and received a lot of support. Other Haxby residents their own negative experiences in the comments.
But the next day brought a much more sinister response.
“I was walking down the street, and a teenager came up to me and told me that a friend of his Dad was going to come and slice me,” Shaun said.
Shaun reported the threat to the police but remains deeply concerned.
“I don’t think that child really understands the weight of what he said, telling me that one of your mate’s fathers was threatening my life, that’s a serious thing.”
Shaun hopes his letter leads to meaningful change.
“I do believe that adult citizens, within constraint, should be able to detain and make citizen’s arrests until the police arrive. I think there should be a juvenile system where these kids get put into a home or a detention centre of sorts, after a number of strikes.”
What the MP says
Although MP Luke Charters is currently on paternity leave, a spokesperson has provided YorkMix with the following comment:
“Last year, he held an open meeting with Jo Coles, the Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, attended by over 50 residents.
“Following the meeting, which heard from local businesses, the Town Council, and residents, Luke met with the Superintendent for York, Ed Haywood-Noble, to raise these concerns. He also visited Oaken Grove Community Centre to speak to staff about their experiences and the support they needed.
“At the start of the year, Luke raised the issues the town has faced with Dame Diana Johnson, the Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention. In that meeting, they discussed the challenges businesses and residents have experienced as a result of antisocial behaviour (ASB).
“Thanks to £2 million of investment in North Yorkshire Police from the Labour Government, the York and Selby area will benefit from an extra 9 PCSOs and 12 PCs. This will make a significant difference to police visibility and capacity to tackle issues like ASB.
“Luke will continue to work with Jo Coles, North Yorkshire Police, and other partners, as he knows how much this issue has frustrated and worried residents in Haxby, Wigginton and the surrounding areas.”
North Yorkshire Police have also been asked for a comment, and have confirmed that the matter is being reviewed by a local policing team.
They have said that a statement will be issued, and the article will be updated accordingly.