Town centre clamp-down on running across rooftops

Anyone caught running, jumping or climbing across a town centre's rooftops could be fined or sent to prison.

Huntingdonshire District Council and Cambridgeshire Police have introduced a Civil Injunction Order in St Neots to deter anti-social behaviour and make it a safer place.

It also applied to harassment, verbal abuse towards other people and climbing stairs without the owner or occupier's consent.

Sgt Rob Streater said it was to clamp-down on "reckless behaviour" that could cause significant damage to businesses.

The order, granted by Cambridge County Court on 6 November applied to "persons unknown" and will remain in place until 6 November 2026, unless amended or revoked.

Sgt Streater, from St Neots Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Following an increase in reports of young people engaging in dangerous and anti-social behaviour by climbing onto rooftops and running across them, we have obtained this civil injunction to help us address any repeat incidents more effectively.

"This reckless behaviour not only puts the individuals involved at serious risk of injury but also causes significant damage to local businesses."

He said the force was working closing with business owners and anti-climb paint would be applied to "deter further incidents".

"Our priority is to keep the community safe and ensure that our town remains a secure and welcoming place for everyone," he added.

Independent councillor Stephen Ferguson, executive councillor for resident services and corporate performance, said he was committed to keeping the "vibrant town" safe.

"This civil injunction is an important tool to deter disruptive and unsafe behaviours, helping to create an environment where families, businesses, and the wider community can thrive," he added.

Breaking the order "constitutes contempt of court, carrying serious consequences such as fines or prison sentences", the council added.

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