In Marylebone, a number of very serious incidents have occurred over the last two weeks.
- Open taking of nitrous oxide in balloons by a group of youths, two riding Lime bikes at speed around the gardens whilst high. This could lead to serious injury or death and was reported to the police.
- Cllr Scarborough was informed by the headmistress of St Vincent’s School that school children and their parents were being threatened and intimidated by a group of youths when going home.
- One evening, two girls, part of a group of five youths riding Lime bikes around at high speed, deliberately aimed their bikes at two young girls playing in the grass area, which could very easily have resulted in serious injury or death of the targeted children. Their parents intervened and then were targeted by the girls with the bikes; an elderly man who intervened was then punched. Cllr Rowley was threatened by one youth who also threatened to stab his dog to death. The police were called and pursued the bike riders. Witness statements were taken, and photos of the perpetrators were provided to the police. The girl bike riders can be clearly identified. The photos were also circulated to the Harley Street BID and Baker St Quarter security teams. Police are now actively working on this case.
- The Baker Street Quarter security team who patrol the South side of the gardens had to remove the same youths who were in the children’s playground. They were subject to abuse and threats. Cllr Rowley has been in contact with the police, Council officers, the cabinet member for community protection Cllr Less and the security teams of the Baker Street Quarter and Harley Street BID, both of whom will increase their patrol frequency, as will the police.
- The Rector of St Marylebone Church has been threatened with violence by dog owners whose dogs were not on leads when he pointed out that the by-laws in the gardens require dogs to be on leads. There have been a number of deliberate fires started around St Marylebone Church, one actually on the portico of the Church. This is truly shocking and could have seriously damaged the building. The police are investigating the case.
Please continue to report any anti-social behaviour to the police. You can do that online or by calling 101. In an emergency, please dial 999.