Vandals target gates installed to cut crime

Locks installed to help prevent crime and antisocial behaviour have been "deliberately damaged".

Vandalism has been reported at alleygates across Preston, including on Manchester Road in Frenchwood, where residents said locks had been tampered with and substances jammed into them.

The gates were introduced to restrict access to problem alleyways and ginnels, with many residents saying they had reduced nuisance behaviour, theft and drug-related activity.

Councillor Connor Dwyer said some gates and locks had been "deliberately damaged". After repairs are carried out, the local authority will write to nearby residents "to make clear that this is criminal damage and antisocial behaviour".

There were also calls for gates to be installed in alleyways that remain open to the public, including on Ainslie Road [LDRS/PA]

Preston City Council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it was aware of what it described as "criminal damage".

The issue came to light during a public consultation on the future of the gates, which are installed on about 125 streets.

One resident said locks on gates had been tampered with and appeared to have had "something like glue" put into them.

They also reported substantial fly-tipping and minor antisocial behaviour in the alley during the last year.

Support for the gates remained unanimous among those who responded to the consultation, however, with several residents calling for them to be introduced in their own neighbourhoods.

One respondent said they had made "a huge difference" by stopping "just anyone wandering around the backs of people's houses" and helping residents feel more secure.

Another said their area had been plagued by "drug users, bin theft and antisocial behaviour" before the gates were fitted.

However, one resident noted that keyholders could still fly-tip in the enclosed spaces and said gates were sometimes left open, allowing unauthorised access.

There were also calls for gates to be installed in alleyways that remain open to the public, including on Ainslie Road in Plungington, where one person reported an increase in drug dealing and claimed the ginnels were being used as meeting points.

Dwyer said: "The council has listened to the feedback from the consultation and responded to concerns about antisocial behaviour and fly-tipping.

"Where residents have raised specific issues, we have acted where needed. This includes visible patrols at key times and community protection warnings for repeated antisocial behaviour."

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