Birds and hedgehogs being killed by youths in Peasedown St John

There are new reports of wildlife being killed by a group of youths who have been causing problems in Peasedown St John for more than a year.

The neighbourhood policing team have been actively working with partner agencies to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) within the village.

Recently a multi-agency meeting was held to discuss the way forward regarding the group of teenage boys who have been identified as being involved in ASB and wildlife crime. The police said that in parallel with this work, criminal investigations remained ongoing.

In the latest update on their web page, the neighbourhood police say they are looking into various reports of ASB in and around Peasedown, particularly on Orchard Way.

“In recent weeks damage has been caused to bus shelters and trees. Also, there have been incidents of doors being knocked on in the very early hours and reports that a group of young males are involved in killing wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs.

“The group of young males involved in this behaviour are said to be aged around 14 years. Although the number of official reports to police is limited, the neighbourhood team are aware of several incidents that have not been reported.”

The police are asking the public to report incidents of criminal damage, wildlife crime and ASB to the police either by calling 101 or filling out an online report at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/

They add: “If you have any information as to the identity of those responsible for any of the incidents described, please contact your local neighbourhood policing team.”

The Echo first reported last summer that the police were looking into reported cases of cruelty to animals, criminal damage and other ASB incidents centred around the Orchard Way, including a catapult being fired at cats.