The campaign follows a recent spate of anti-social behaviour in local multi-storey car parks.

In recent months there have been increasing incidents of groups of young people aged around 14-16 years gathering in the car parks at weekends, in the early evenings and also during the school holidays.

The individuals who are usually hooded have been lighting fires, daubing the walls with indecent graffiti and damaging cameras. On occasions the car park has also been broken into, with teenagers accessing the upper storeys through the fencing.

Councillor Judith Falp, Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health and Community Protection commented:

“Not only is the behaviour of these groups causing distress to car park users, but it is also a safety issue to themselves and the public. Before this escalates into a potential tragedy, we would like to highlight the problem to parents and schools to encourage them to communicate the risks and potential consequences to young people, particularly as we approach the summer holiday period.”

Chief Inspector Karen Jones, Warwickshire Police added:

“Anti-Social Behaviour can have a real and devastating effect on individuals, and communities alike, it can also be extremely intimidating even if this is not the intention.  Younger members of our community are reminded to enjoy the summer months safely, lawfully and with others in mind.”

Warwick District Council’s Safer Communities team works in partnership with Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire County Council, registered social landlords and other agencies to tackle anti-social behaviour and to protect our communities from harm. Any resident who is concerned about anti-social behaviour can visit the Council’s website for further information and contact details.