Groups of youngsters are causing mayhem across the county – and councillors are calling on the community for support in halting the anti-social antics.
Community figures believe mischievous behaviour has been on the rise since the pandemic hit, with young people finding other sources of entertainment among the lockdowns, closures of social clubs and strict Covid regulations.
But the fun-and-games has become more serious than ever.
In Raffles, Carlisle, youths have been spotted causing damage to property, kicking moving vehicles and climbing on to parked cars for fun.
After hearing of the behaviour, Carlisle Police shared an appeal on social media to “know what your child is up to”.
They said: “This type of behaviour is dangerous, intimidating and completely unacceptable in our communities.
“We urge parents to talk to their children, explain how their behaviour could impact other members on the community, encourage them to leave groups that are up to no good, and emphasise that this type of behaviour can lead to a criminal record.
“Patrols, both marked and plain clothed, will continue to target the area.”
Workington Fire Station has also been called to tackle life-threatening pranks, after a group of about 10 youths set light to four bins on Westfield Bridge and Wastwater Avenue in Workington, as well as one in Distington.
The incidents took place on Tuesday (December 29), between 6.30pm and 10.30pm.
And after a night of extinguishing the “unnecessary” and “mindless” fires, the crew has asked everyone to consider the consequences of their actions.
Crew manager, Phil Reay, said: “It’s a waste of resources, and just mindless vandalism.
“It’s just been Christmas, so the bins were completely full with all sorts of rubbish, especially cardboard which goes up very quickly.
“Some of the fires were also near vehicles, so it could have easily spread to them, but thankfully we were there to put the fires out before that could happen.”
He added: “We’re urging everyone to stick to the [Covid-19] rules, and not meet up in groups of more than six.
“With Covid and social distancing and all other guidance in place, nobody should be meeting up in big groups, especially not to set fires.”
A police spokesman added: “Officers are aware of a number of bin fires. Patrols will be focusing on the area.”
Mayor of Workington, Janet King, was shocked by the incidents, and is asking all in the community to help put a stop to this behaviour.
“It’s worrying for the children’s safety, but also for residents’ safety,” she said.
“It would be nice if the community could come together to support people, and report this sort of thing to the police to help them tackle it.
“Parents need to keep an eye on their children as well – no matter how good a parent you are, there are times when children think it’s fun to cause mischief, and they don’t think or know of the consequences of their actions.”
She added: “It’s such a waste of the fire service’s time, so I hope everybody keeps safe and makes sure their children are being safe, too.”
And it’s not just the Workington community being asked for help, as Carlisle City Councillor Pam Birks, who represents Newtown and Morton North, also wants to see residents make a change.
She said: “It’s shocking behaviour, and parents need to know what their children are up to, and take some responsibility.
“We are aware of anti-social behaviour in the area, and we need the community to help us – the police can’t know what’s going on if people don’t report it.”
She continued, raising the issue of how “mindless vandalism” doesn’t just damage property, but also residents’ mental wellbeing.
“In these difficult times, people don’t need others causing mayhem – they have enough to contend with, and a damaged car will only add to this.
“Little pranks can easily get out of hand, and when they start causing damage and costing people money, it just might tip someone over the edge.”
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